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Chapter IV

THE QUERIES

Introductory Statement

The purpose of the Queries is to direct attention to the true source of spiritual strength, to promote individual faithfulness to Christ, and to keep the society in a healthy condition. They are of value in appraising the state of society and for self-evaluation of the consistency of one's Christian life. The Queries should be read frequently in private devotions and at specified intervals both in Monthly and in Quarterly Meetings.

General Queries

Spiritual Growth 1. Do you strive for the constant realization of God's presence in your life? Are you sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Do you attempt to follow the teachings and example of Jesus? Do you engage in prayerful study of the Bible and other devotional literature?

Meetings for Worship and Business 2. Are all meetings for worship and for business duly held and are you regular and punctual in attending them? Do you come with heart and mind prepared for communion with God and fellowship with one another? Do you individually assume your rightful share in the responsibility of the work and worship of the Meeting? Are your meetings for business times of spiritual concern and prayerful search for the way of truth?

Christian Fellowship 3. Do you love one another as becomes the followers of Christ? Are you careful of the reputation of others? When differences

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arise, do you make earnest effort to end them speedily?

Home and Family 4. Do you practice the daily reading of the Scriptures in your families, giving time for reverent meditation? Do you make your home a place of hospitality, friendliness, peace, and Christian fellowship? Do you promote the moral and spiritual life of your children through careful supervision of their education, recreation, and friendships?

Youth and the Meeting 5. Do you seek the spiritual development and Christian commitment of young people? Do you endeavor to instruct them in the principles and practices of Friends? Do you strive to create a community life that will promote their mental and physical well-being?

Standards of Life 6. Believing your body to be a temple of God, are you concerned to attain a high level of physical and mental health? To this end, is your life an example of temperance in all things? Do you avoid and discourage the use and handling of tobacco, intoxicants such as alcoholic beverages, and the misuse of drugs?

Do you observe simplicity and moderation in your manner of living, and in your consumption of world resources? Do you choose such recreations as are wholesome and consistent with Christian character? Are you careful in your choice of ways to use your money, time and energy?

Business Responsibility 7. Do you avoid such undue expan sion of your business responsibilities as to endanger your personal integrity? Are you truthful and honest in your business transactions, punctual in fulfilling your promises, and prompt in the payment of your debts?

Missionary Enterprise 8. Do you make diligent effort to ac quaint yourself and those under your care with the spiritual needs of the world? Do you support by prayer and systematic giving those who are laboring to extend Christ's kingdom? Do you use your spiritual gifts in serving humanity as God grants you light to see such service?

Peace 9. Do you consistently practice the Christian principles of love and good will toward all men? Do

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you work actively for peace and for the removal of the causes of war? Do you observe the testimony of Friends against military training and service? Do you endeavor to make clear to all whom you can influence, that war is inconsistent with the spirit and teachings of Jesus?

Human Relations 10. Does your attitude and behavior toward people of other races indicate your belief in their right to equal opportunity? Do you believe in the spiritual capacity of all persons and do you recognize their equality in the sight of God? Are you aware of your responsibility as a Christian to help eliminate prejudice and inequality of treatment?

Social Conscience 11. Are you concerned that our economic system shall so function as to sustain and enrich the life of all? Are you giving positive service to society in the promotion of peaceful methods of adjustment in all cases of social and industrial conflict? Do you as workers, employers, producers, consumers, and investors endeavor to cultivate good will and mutual understanding in your economic relationships? Do you intelligently exercise all of your constitutional privileges and thus seek to promote Christian influence locally, nationally, and internationally?

Queries for Meetings on Ministry and Counsel

Responsibilities of Membership 1. Do you as Ministry and Counsel recognize your responsibility in setting an example of faithfulness and loyalty to the meetings for worship and business? Do you accept appointment to this group as a definite response to the "high calling of God in Christ Jesus?" (Philippians 3:14). Are you concerned that the needs of all are ministered to in your Meetings, whether by silent worship, inspirational speaking, or reverent music?

Relations with Other Members 2. Are you aware of the necessity of harmonious relations with your fellow members as a basis for the most effective service to the Meeting? Do you as leaders in the Meeting strive to relate persons to Christ and to strengthen the faith and loyalty of fellow Christians?

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Spiritual Gifts 3. Do you endeavor to recognize and develop your special talents and abilities for service in the meeting and do you pray for divine guidance in their use? Do you stimulate the discovery and cultivation of the spiritual gifts of members of your Meeting? Are you sufficiently thoughtful for the spiritual awakening of youth? Do you concern yourself in helping them develop, consecrate and exercise their various talents in the Meeting and the Community? Are you always ready to encourage and advise those who engage in the vocal ministry or in other Christian work?

Personal Life and Conduct 4. Do you provide in your schedule of activities an opportunity for daily devotions? Do you prayerfully seek

the leading of the Holy Spirit in the interpretation of scriptural truth? Does your personal conduct reflect the true dignity of Christian character as set forth in the Scriptures? Do you always strive so to live that you will have a "conscience void of offense toward God and man?" (Acts 24:161.