While it is indeed possible to train a dog to obey commands, it remains true that a dog will never act entirely according to its own free will or desires. Instead, its behavior is driven by conditioning and external control. This analogy extends to human organizations and relationships, where many problems arise when individuals are placed in roles that do not align with their natural abilities or inherent talents. When people lack awareness of their true strengths and weaknesses, assigning tasks effectively becomes an arduous challenge. Without proper understanding of oneself, both leaders and followers can struggle to function harmoniously. Therefore, the role of a leader is not always to be the one with the greatest theological knowledge or rhetorical prowess; rather, it is to serve as a mediator—someone who navigates the delicate balance between potential chaos and malevolence, which can be metaphorically represented by the devil. This mediating role involves safeguarding the community or organization from destructive tendencies, much like a shepherd tending to a flock amidst dangers. While many find your gospel message compelling, it may be lacking in certain areas, for even the most esteemed apostles recognized moments of abandonment among their disciples. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that divine patience allows sin and human imperfection to exist; perhaps suggesting that humanity’s moral failings require divine allowance. Yet, in truth, it is our own sinful nature that poses the greatest threat to the world’s stability. It is God's restraint—His patience and mercy—that prevent total destruction. The persistent emphasis on rule-following—such as "do and do" or "rule upon rule"—can act like a subtle trap, intended to trip people up, cause harm, and ultimately lead to their entrapment. I have never known a sin that, once repented of, was not fully forgiven; nor have I seen an evil deed that did not deserve the harshest consequences. As Isaiah 28:9-10 indicates, God's messages are often directed toward those who are still spiritually immature—like infants just weaned from milk or separated from their mothers—and the repeated phrase “line upon line, precept upon precept” emphasizes the slow, incremental, and sometimes superficial nature of spiritual understanding. Drawing from the biblical prophecy in Isaiah 11, when God communicates with His people in unfamiliar and strange languages, it symbolizes their refusal to listen to His message of rest and peace. Their resistance transforms God's communication into a form of judgment—highlighting their rejection of divine guidance and resulting in increased resistance and discord. Despite this, God's approach to human failure is not one of mere condemnation; rather, He transforms the ethical dilemma into an opportunity for salvation. This divine redirection reveals that even our transgressions—though I have only begun to scratch the surface of their complexity—can serve a higher purpose. During my brief experience at a Christian institution, I observed that only one leader truly recognized and affirmed my equal worth, demonstrating humility and genuine understanding. Conversely, an overly judgmental attitude, if left unchallenged, can become a significant obstacle—especially when corruption and pride threaten to undermine integrity and humility. Ultimately, divine grace and forgiveness are extended not based on our merits but in recognition of our inherent weaknesses. This reflects the profound truth that God's love and mercy are available to us despite our flaws. Eve, in her wisdom, once suggested that Adam show love even to the devil—implying that true power lies not solely in law or strict rules but in love. Love, she suggested, holds the capacity to defeat evil more effectively than law alone. Using law merely as a weapon can be misguided; genuine victory over darkness is achieved through love and compassion. In this perspective, eating the forbidden fruit signifies a deeper truth: because of our imperfect memories and communication, we can only find true security by adhering to fundamental principles. Without perfection, our offerings to God—our actions and sacrifices—will always fall short. I can elaborate or modify this paraphrase as needed.
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