What does Shalom mean to you? Do you encounter it in the Psalms and think of it as an invitation to pause and reflect? It means that, and peace, and so much more. It is an all-encompassing expression for the rule of God on earth, and relates to the prophets declarations of a time when the lion will lie down with the lamb, and they shall beat spears into pruning hooks and swords into plowshares. So this is a very large concept. I came declaring the Kingdom of God.
Do you keep finding issues in your life that require correction or resolution? As you get older, do you find this process to be discouraging, thinking that the corrections should become infrequent and eventually cease altogether? What do you expect when you drive your car? Whenever the car is in motion you should be steering and you think this is normal. You don’t expect the corrections to cease as you approach your destination. Can you apply this same concept to your spiritual life? The only way to go wrong is to park your spiritual ‘car’ and remain stationary.
I told my followers to consider the lilies of the field and other examples from nature that they should not worry about their material provision for their Father in heaven knew their needs and would provide them. Has anything changed since then? Even in your modern affluent culture do people worry about what they may acquire? Yet this story was taught in the context of seeking first the Kingdom of God. The deal I offered was that if you would focus your attention on things above and pursue transcendent values then I would take care of your needs in this world. Will you take the deal?
Have you heard the church referred to as a social club? This is not meant as a compliment either by those within or without, but do not be too quick to take offense. Social interaction is a valid human need, and it may be easier to accept this reality if you use the more benign term of community. You need a sense of belonging; a connection with those who have a similar identity. I had this with my disciples, who were my constant companions. Would you benefit from more or less contact with those in your own community of faith?
How do you treat people of other faiths? You think their doctrine is incorrect, and they feel the same way about yours. Is this a reason to hold them in contempt? But you are called to love everyone, and that is inconsistent with this. If you show them kindness, will they think that you agree with them? If you are mean will they take it as rejection? Which is the greater risk? Can you show respect for their essential humanity without agreeing with their positions? How would you have an opening for a dialogue if you don’t?
Do you see work as a curse or a blessing? You don’t have to read very far into the Bible to find support for the idea that work is a curse. But what do you conclude from your own observations of the world? Have you found work to be ennobling, and that even mundane tasks are a source of dignity? Have you seen the character decline in those who are idle, who don’t have enough to do? Isn’t it better to be engaged in something that is useful and productive, that provides some benefit for humanity, and for you? Paul said that those who do not work should not eat.
Do you know the difference between dignity and respect? They are related, but you get respect from others and generate your own dignity. Do you feel that you get a sufficient amount of respect? You can’t force others to give this to you, but only you can decide to conduct yourself with the dignity that commands respect. Do you think of dignity as being grim and somber? David’s wife accused him of being undignified when he danced before me. He replied that he would be yet more undignified (you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!) But what did he do that was more dignified than to worship me?
Are you careful about what you eat? You are fortunate if you have wholesome food available for your diet. I lived in a time and culture with dietary laws, which were very strict about what you could eat. Yet I said that it wasn’t what went into a man that defiled him, but what came out, in the form of false or hateful words. But this illustration was limited to the intake of food. What else do you consume? What about the things you watch, and read, and listen to? Do these things have the capacity to defile you?
If you have a job, you may look at it only as a way to earn money. But do you derive anything from it besides money? What about a sense of accomplishment that gives you dignity and respect? This isn’t going to appear on your paycheck, but do you understand the value of it? What if you were given the same amount of money to sit idle and do nothing? Man does not live by bread alone, and a task can bring multiple rewards. If you were independently wealthy and released from the necessity to earn money to support yourself, what would you do to satisfy your need for accomplishment?
Have you heard of red flags? This is a common term for warning signs that there may be trouble ahead. It is often used with regard to character issues that may affect a relationship, but has other applications as well. Does this seem like a negative approach? Is there a positive alternative that you could think of as green flags? Have you ever had unlikely independent events coincide in your favor? Multiple things indicate that it was not by random chance. Did you think that I was trying to tell you something? You may take this as a form of guidance.
