Are you grateful? Gratitude is universally recognized as a positive trait, but you must have something to be grateful for and someone to be grateful to. Can you think of things in your life that you are not grateful for? Even so, are there more things that you can be grateful for? Even in the midst of devastation, do you know that you live in a world that is good, because I made it that way and this has never changed? Even in your trials, do you have a sense of consolation, knowing that the world is governed by a benevolent supreme being who secures and sustains you?

Have you met ethical skeptics? Would you expect unbelievers to lead lives of debauchery? In practice do you find skeptics lead ethical lives? They are usually living off the residue of a religious upbringing, having learned good conduct, character and discipline even if they no longer accept the underlying principles. Then in what ways to they fail? How many skeptics do you know that love their enemies? Isn’t this the most severe test? Even those whose conduct and character are otherwise good find it difficult to see a common humanity and extend favor to those they disagree with.

Have you ever helped anyone? Do you find it annoying when people interfere with your efforts to help them? For some it is difficult to receive help, but their efforts can make things worse, so saying ‘help me help you’ is a valid request. Don’t you appreciate when the people you help are grateful and facilitate your efforts? Can you do the same when you are the one receiving assistance? Everyone receives help from me whether they ask for it or not, for I send the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike. Do you acknowledge the help you get from me?

Do you have hope for the next generation? A permanent fixture of history has been a concern about the character and conduct of the generation to follow. At every time past you can find accounts of alarm about how civilization is falling apart, but here we are. Do you think that every generation, as well as every individual, has a destiny; a divinely appointed mission to carry out? In this regard you have two duties. The first is to take part in the fulfillment of the destiny of your own generation.