Page 783 … Being led like the Bull
“Sin in our lives is similar to a ring in a bull’s nose. Just as the ring empowers the owner to lead the bull around at his own will, so Satan is able to lead us wherever he pleases when we allow sin to stay in our lives.”
Yep, this sounds just about right. And, we all have our own individual “rings of sin” piercing our noses, n’est ce pas my Friend? And since this is definitely the case with you & yours as well, I must ask why it is that you are so determined to identify and condemn the rings of others – and why it is that you thereby embed your own rings deeper & deeper into your own flesh; allowing you to be led ever more easily by Satan into the dark world of hatred (see “intolerance”), hubris & hypocrisy? Maybe there is a reason that Jesus made it so clear that pure & perfect humility was a prerequisite for entering his Kingdom of Heaven (see Matthew 18:3-4) … Indeed, the hypocritical focus on the sins of others – along with the arrogant judgment thereof – does indeed keep us from truly Loving them; and thereby does indeed keep us from finding & following his Way of redemption (see John 13:15-17 + John 13:34-35) … As such, I can only recommend humility to you, Lucy. After all, it is the only way for you to find The Way!
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become again like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this young child is the greatest in the Kingdom … Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:3-4 + Mark 9:35)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in Love … Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves … Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” ~ Paul (Ephesians 4:2 + Philippians 2:3 + Romans 12:16)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom … Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” ~ Proverbs 11:2 + Proverbs 18:12
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” ~ James 4:10
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