How do most people make decisions? Some list the good points and bad points involving a certain course of action and take what seems to be the most reasonable or rational choice. Others flip a coin or leave it to chance or circumstance. Sometimes the decisions are good, sometimes they are not helpful at all. The early Christians, however, used none of these methods. They prayed and fasted in the spirit and allowed themselves to be guided. It requires patience and the giving up of one's ego. But making spiritual decisions is not about smart human judgment, competition, or 'being right'. It's all about listening. To truly live a spirit-based life, perhaps we - and our church communities - could practice this art of spiritual listening more often.

As Jesus approaches the end of his public ministry and prepares for his passion, he sets the record straight with regard to his identity and his message. He is not speaking of his own accord, nor did he make up the words and teachings that he proclaimed. He is an emissary from God, and is merely proclaiming what God has told him. He reflects God in his own person. Since Jesus gave his followers the same mission, we must reflect Jesus in ourselves, both in the words that we speak and the love that we show others. Showing Christ-like love to all will convince others far more than words.