One of the things I promised was a cross to carry. I left the door open for you to decide whether to pick it up or not, but doing so was presented as a condition of being a disciple. Are you aware that you are carrying a cross? Have you ever cried out that yours is too much for you to bear? I can sympathize with this statement. Another man was pressed into service to carry mine when I could not. I know what you are capable of; do you? Have you ever complained that your load is too great and found that you could bear it after all? I do not willingly afflict my children.

Boats generate wakes. You have seen this and perhaps even felt it if you have been wading near the shore or been in a small boat when a large boat passes by. Do you see a larger scale application of this concept? A spiritual one? There have been spiritual movements throughout history that have influenced all that came after them. As a result you don’t have to recreate the whole structure of doctrine and church government from scratch. You have the benefit of those who have gone before you to build roads and cities and also to build churches and cathedrals.

Are you familiar with the passage that says, to him who has more shall be given, and to him who has not even that little he has shall be taken away? Does this seem unfair to you? Does it seem like a spiritual version of the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? Are you also familiar with the phrase, use it or lose it? This is a better explanation of my teaching and you have seen it in effect in your own life. Do the skills you practice improve? Do those you neglect atrophy? This does not add or detract from anyone but you. So the meaning is fair and obvious.

Do you have a broken spirit and a contrite heart? If this phrase is familiar to you from the Bible you know that it is the sacrifice acceptable to me. Do you know anyone that you would describe this way? Do you find these qualities attractive in others? Do they see them in you? How do you go about acquiring these qualities? Is there a simple progression of steps or a program of instruction that will accomplish it?  Can you imagine that such an outcome is possible without suffering? Is this something that you want badly enough to count the cost and consent to the process and pay it?