What sort of incentive systems are you used to? You expect to be punished or deprived for doing the wrong things and rewarded or commended for doing the right things. Systems in which you are rewarded for doing the wrong thing are called perverse incentives. How do you see me? I am regarded as an extreme version of a conventional reward system by believer and unbeliever alike. Yet my word says it is my goodness that leads you to repentance. Paul reminds you that you are not to sin that grace may abound, but I am prepared to lavish blessings upon you until you return to me.

What is the worst possible state of humanity? Alienation and isolation would have to be at the top of the list, and loneliness is fatal. Even in prison the worst punishment is solitary confinement. Long ago I said that it is not good for man to be alone, and this is still true, in so many ways. Some live in a world of alienation and isolation by their own making, but you don’t have to contribute to this or be indifferent to it. There are sins of omission as well as commission and you are your brother’s keeper. I was a stranger and you took me in.

Do you treat all your children equally? This is a modern ideal. In times past favoritism was expected and practiced openly. Consider the example of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Yet even parents who strive for equal treatment find it hard to implement in practice. Each child is different, and parents bring their own uniqueness to the situation, and there are random events in life. Can you extend this concept to your Father in heaven and the way he treats his children? You know that he is not a respecter of persons. Does it appear that he treats them all equally?

Do you see your body as a temple? Do you see this as a burden? If you are bought with a price and you are not your own then it is appropriate for you to honor me in your body. But before you regard this as a burden, can you stand in awe of the magnitude of the concept? For this is an affirmation that I dwell within you. The essence of my being is present in you. Though I inhabit all time, space, and eternity I also abide in you. You don’t contain me, but you don’t have to go looking for me either, for as I promised, the Kingdom of God is within you.