Do you have a community? It is not good for a man to be alone and this is a need for every person, to belong and to connect with others. You were not meant to lead an alienated and isolated life. How strong is your community? For most communities are structured on voluntary association, and people can choose to belong or not, and how involved they want to be if they are, and this includes churches. Do you see the value of accountability? Most people accept this in principle even if it is hard to practice.

Have you ever heard the phrase, consider the source? Is this ever used as a compliment? This is spoken to indicate that a statement in question is foolish and implies that the speaker is not capable of anything better. But the logic of this criticism fails as well. This is an attack on a person rather than an idea. The validity of a statement should be considered apart from the person who makes it. Is there anyone whose statements are above scrutiny? In like manner, is there anyone incapable of making a true statement?

I told my disciples how the gentiles viewed authority, loving to lord it over one another when they could, but it was not to be so among my followers. I did not reject the concept of authority, but said that those who would hold positions of spiritual authority were to be as servants. Since my church is a voluntary association, those in leadership positions only have the authority that people are willing to give them. In this way authority is intrinsic rather than by title or office. You have to earn it by love and trust. Do not be discouraged if you are in a leadership position.

Do you feel that you need to have an answer for every question regarding your faith? The Great Commission was given to all, but not all are theologians, historians, and scholars. Have you seen people get tangled up and made things worse instead of better by reaching too hard for an answer that was beyond their grasp? Have you ever done this? It is better to leave some questions unanswered than to put forth wrong answers. You are indeed directed to be able to give every man an answer, but this is for the hope that lies in you. You can do that without having to answer every question.