Have you heard of houses and cars referred to as ‘fixer-uppers’? This implies that they are not suitable for immediate use in their current condition, but that they would be with some work, and this is reflected in the price. Anyone making such a purchase knows that it will be a project. You do not normally hear the same terminology applied to people, but the same concepts apply. So when you came to me were you ready for use as-is, or were you a fixer-upper? If you aren’t sure, consider how much work I have done in you since that time. I took you on knowing that you would be a project.

The Bible encourages belief and promises results for those who have faith. Have you ever prayed for something you really wanted, and believed with everything you had, and not seen the results you wanted? Did you think that if you had more faith it would have worked? Worse yet, have you ever made this observation to someone else, in a dire crisis, that they should have had more faith? Bad form. Don’t do this. Prayer is not like a computer algorithm with known inputs and results, or a standard operating procedure. It is engagement with the mysterious and transcendent divine.

Do you think of inflation only in literal or monetary terms? Do you think this term can apply to people too? Have you ever heard of anyone described as full of themselves? You were built for connection and inflation interferes with this. Have you ever tried to attach two inflated balloons? Ego-inflated people are hard to connect with. I have given you direction to lay down your life, and pick up your cross. John the Baptist decreased that I might increase, and I made myself of no reputation. Do you find that these are difficult to do? Are the benefits obvious?

Have you ever received a ‘thank-you’ note? Have you ever sent one? These are pleasant to give and receive. Gratitude is a universally admired trait, and even unbelievers can see the value of it. But is it possible for gratitude to exist in a detached and unfocused way? Is it possible to address a thank-you note to whom it may concern? Gratitude implies a relationship, for it must involve a giver and a receiver. Both parties can perform both roles in sequence or concurrently, but gratitude is not a meaningful concept in the abstract or in isolation.