“When I set my gaze upon your teachings, my heart shall remain unshaken.” Psalm 119:6.
Amidst the complexities of this earthly realm, one may find themselves ensnared by perplexities, just as the deceiver intends. To fixate on these entanglements, to discuss and dissect them, breeds despondency. In passing judgment upon others for their lack of love, we unwittingly extinguish the very flame of love in our own hearts. Have we, as individuals, truly embraced and basked in the warmth of love, a virtue embodied by the Messiah during His earthly sojourn? If so, it is incumbent upon us to radiate this love unto the world. Let us not be ensnared by incessant contemplation, or vocalization, of the errors of our brethren.
It is possible to construct an illusory realm within our minds, wherein an ideal congregation exists, untainted by Satan’s wiles. However, perfection remains a product of our imagination. Our world is one tainted by imperfection, and our spiritual community mirrors a field where both wheat and tares grow in concert, until the day of harvest. It is not our role to rashly extract the tares based on human inclinations, for in doing so, under the guise of Satan, we may inadvertently harm the wheat.
No soul should squander precious moments of their fleeting existence by embarking on a mission to scrutinize the flaws of professed believers. None among us possesses the luxury of time for such pursuits. Should we discern with clarity the attributes that a true disciple should embody, yet encounter incongruities in others, let us resolve to withstand the adversary’s snares, which entice us to exhibit incongruity ourselves. Let us declare, “I shall not bring dishonor upon the Messiah through my conduct. I shall vigilantly guard against yielding to inconsistency. Instead, I will ardently immerse myself in understanding the character of the Messiah, who embodied faultlessness, selflessness, an untainted essence devoid of evil. He lived not for self-glorification, but to magnify the Divine and redeem fallen humanity. I shall not emulate the flawed traits of those believers who have erred. Their mistakes shall not mold my character. Instead, I shall turn towards the benevolent Redeemer, endeavoring to emulate His essence.”
In the heart of an Essene, these thoughts take root—a resplendent reflection of the unwavering ideals and devotion cherished by the Teacher of Righteousness.