Do you think of yourself as an insider or an outsider? How do you see me? I attended the synagogue up until the day I was called on to read from the scroll. It wasn’t well-received and I was cast out and never went back. So I spent the time of my ministry on earth as an outsider, which was typical of John the Baptist and other prophets. The church established in my name is an insider organization, with, in most cases, membership requirements and an organizational hierarchy. I called those who responded to my message to follow me.

Do you know believers who have become atheists because they prayed fervently for something they really wanted and it didn’t happen? Is it all the more poignant if they asked for something noble and selfless? Have you ever had the same experience and remained a believer? You are familiar with the same promises that you shall have whatever you ask for in prayer, so what is the difference? You also know that you are not to put the Lord your God to the test. Are you encouraged when you do see your prayers answered against astronomical odds?

Are you familiar with the idea of pantheism? This is a claim that everything is divine, and this is held by some faith traditions, but rejected by Christians. Are you familiar with the idea of panentheism? This slight variation makes all the difference. This means that God made all things and so they bear his fingerprints, so to speak, and have a divine intention and purpose. Do you look at everything you see and wonder what this purpose is? You can do this and be faithful to me. In fact, this is a means by which you may increase your awareness, devotion, and the practice of your faith.

Do you like to be popular, and thrive on the approval of others? But I told my followers to beware when all men speak well of you. You can extend this lesson slightly to say, beware when all men agree with you. This may mean that you are entirely correct in your understanding, and they are too, or it may mean that you don’t know enough people. If you don’t know anyone who challenges your thinking should you rejoice in this, or should you make the effort to seek out those who do? How will you grow if your current state isn’t put to the test?