Have you ever had a transaction that had hidden costs? Have you ever ended up paying more than the price you understood? Do you think of this question only in monetary terms? This is the most obvious example, but the same concept can apply in other areas with even more damaging results. Do you desire respect? Has the pursuit of this left you distant from other people and cost you intimacy? Has a desire for wealth led you to dissatisfaction? Have you paid for your desire for prestige and power with self-absorption? You are made in the image of what you desire.

Do you like to give and receive gifts? Do you like to give thoughtful gifts that are considerate of the recipient; something they really want? Sometimes desires are communicated through a ‘wish list’. What would you give me? Do you know what is on my wish list? I have already given it to you. I’m looking for a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Do you know people that you would describe that way? How did they get there? Do you know anyone meeting this description who didn’t suffer to get there? Do you want to give me what I want enough to pay the price for it? You can afford it.

Are you familiar with the concept of privilege? This has become a loaded word, and used as an accusation and a means of political leverage against broad groups of people considered to have advantages. The concept of privilege has been around longer than identity politics but there is a positive way in which to approach it. I said that of whom much is given much is required. Do you have advantages resulting from your education, financial position, or even the years you have spent seeking the Kingdom of God? These put you in a position to make great contributions to the Kingdom.

Can you examine your life and see that you have shortcomings and weaknesses and bad habits? Do you identify with these things or do you see them as peripheral to your true identity? You are correct if you do not see them as the essence of your being. Do you apply the same standard to others? When you see other people demonstrating consistently bad behavior do you see it as intrinsic to their being? Are you aware that you shall be judged by the same standards by which you judge others? To be consistent you should extend the same grace to others that you extend to yourself.