“Prosperity” has often been a term used by Christians to describe the benefits of believing in and living under God’s rule. But the world often misinterprets this for material and economic gain, the pursuit of wealth and opportunity, and the idea that God somehow serves us. Does having vast wealth and limitless resources somehow make it easier to serve God, or does “prosperity” become something more than just what is in our bank accounts?

“Contentment” is often viewed as a state of happiness and bliss, a satisfaction of having received or accomplished something with our lives. But are our lives just the pursuit of accomplishment, and is our satisfaction with having achieved something we find enjoyable? Jesus teaches us that to be content means to have satisfaction with how we have carried out God’s vision for the world, and not someone else’s vision of it. How has God called you to bring about that prophesied vision, and what have you given up to make it a reality?

“Faithfulness” is a term which is equated to loyalty and allegiance in the world, speaking about how much you are willing to stay with your team through the thick and thin of it. But blind loyalty and unchecked allegiance is what gets some into trouble, because it is no longer about what you are being “faithful” too. How much have you wanted to be on a particular side of an issue, or person, only to have the character of the situation change your mind? How does the character of God influence what you are willing to say and do in life?

“Forgiveness” is another word we often hear when it comes to living the Christian faith, but today has been misunderstood as meaning “passive allowance”. Some misunderstand forgiveness as negating a sinful or evil act, and reluctantly allowing that example to pass without judgement. But true forgiveness is recognizing what is evil, understanding why it is evil, and how to escape from what is evil. What times in your life have you felt a thought, or action, remain unopposed by someone? What do you wish you could have understood in that moment?

Churches design many programs meant to encourage “discipleship” among Christians, but instead focus on “programing” many people to conform to the standards of the institution. Being a follower of Jesus does not mean ceasing to think critically, or without any common sense. Discipleship is a process by which we slowly recognize the authority Jesus has over our lives, and then realize what temptations get in the way of that authority. All so we might recognize, and act, in a manner by which we can preserve and guard against that cross-contamination of the world. In what ways have you already been taught to be like Jesus in your life? What prevents you from living that example to the fullest? What have you realized about yourself that needs to change as a result?

Many places of worship, many people, claim to practice the art of “hospitality” as a means of bringing people into their care. But what often is described as “hospitality” seems more like “entertainment”. Just satisfying people’s immediate wants and concerns, with no plan or method to introduce a higher aspiration which they can ascribe too. So often the church ignores how our inclusion and community is for the purpose of transforming lives with the example of Christ. What places, or times, have you been only “entertained” and catered too? What have you desired a community to do when meeting them for the first time?

The Sabbath is a time and concept which has often been misunderstood, or too heavily regulated by others. But the idea of a day, and time, of rest by God for his people is a gift and opportunity. In the business and distractions of life, when is there another opportunity to have focus on what is truly important? How do you believe your life would benefit from a permission to distance yourself from things which demand of you?

Grace is a word we use in order to explain and clarify our faith, but often is a word most misunderstood. Either it means just politely sprinkling some goodwill and good intentions upon others, or foolishly giving opportunities for others to take advantage and never learn. But grace is not optional for life; needed by us to continue on under pressure by the world, or needed to be demonstrated by us for the victory of Jesus to be recognized. When in your life have you faced criticism because of what God has given you to do? How has the grace, the healing, the sustaining power of God been enough even when hurt by those you love?

Faith is a gift and power that is often underestimated and overlooked. An ability thought to only exist in the mind and imagination, with no real impact upon the world. But faith and trust is what spurs us forward in life, makes us take careful consideration of what we are doing, and allows us an honest look at ourselves and where we currently are. Where in your life have you allowed trust in God to dictate your actions, and how have you seen your life change just from that consideration in light of God’s direction?

We all have encountered that one person who strives to make a name for themselves. Someone who is so obsessed with the idea of celebrity and being famous, who spins their wheels going after it, only to be disappointed with what awaits them at the end. We often have the idea of what will make us happy, we condition our whole existence and well-being on achieving that goal, and realize when we get there if it was truly worth it. Out of what you have been working for all your life, what do you believe is still missing from your efforts? What do your efforts tell you about what you truly need within those strivings?