Small Man to the Sacred Family in Village of Desire 6
6
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON RESPECT
1Children, it is the right thing to follow the guidance of your parents, for this is what Creator wants. 2“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first instruction in our tribal law that carries a promise with it— 3“that it will go well with you, and you will live long on the land.”#6:3 Deuteronomy 5:16
4Fathers, if you push your children too hard, it will only make them angry. Instead, help them to grow strong in the ways of the Great Spirit.
5Slaves, do everything your earthly masters tell you to do. Show great respect to them in the same way you serve the Chosen One. Do this from a strong and pure heart, 6not just to look good to your earthly master, 7but as if you were serving our Honored Chief, 8knowing that Creator will see and honor all who serve others, no matter whether they are slaves or free.
9Masters, do not use threats, but treat your slaves with the same respect you would give to the Great Spirit. For he is your master from the spirit-world above as well as theirs, and he will not favor one over another.
PREPARING FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
10Last of all, I must remind you that we are all fighting in a spiritual battle. We are weak human beings, so let your strength come from our Great Warrior Chief. 11The only way to stand strong against the war plans of the evil trickster#6:11 The devil is to put on Creator’s war garments. 12But remember, we are not fighting against human beings. Our battle is against the evil rulers, the dark powers, and the spiritual forces of the spirit-world above and around us.
13Once you are fully dressed for this war, you will be able to stand your ground in this day of the enemy’s evil rule. You are now ready to make your stand—so stand strong. 14Wrap the sash of truth around your waist. Cover your heart with the breastplate of making wrongs right again. 15Put on your feet the moccasins of Creator’s peace treaty, so you will always be ready to tell the good story as you walk the road of life. 16Then you must raise high the shield of trusting in Creator. This shield will put out the flaming arrows of the evil one. Do not forget to 17put on the headdress of Creator’s power to rescue and set free, and use the long knife of the Spirit—which is the word of Creator coming from your mouth.
18All of this is done by prayer, sending your voice to the Great Spirit, asking him for all that is needed. As you pray with the help of the Spirit, stay alert and keep all of Creator’s holy people in your thoughts, praying for their needs. 19Also ask Creator to give me the right words to speak and the courage to make known the mystery of Creator’s good story. 20This is the reason I now represent the Great Spirit as a captive in chains. Pray that I will speak with boldness and not hold back.
FINAL WORDS
21-22So you will know how I am doing, I am sending He Is at Ease (Tychicus), a much-loved spiritual brother and one who serves others as a gift from Creator. He will let you know how we are doing so your hearts can be lifted up and strengthened.
23Peace be to all the sacred family members, along with love and trust from the Great Spirit, who is our Father, and from our Wisdomkeeper, Creator Sets Free (Jesus), the Chosen One.
24May Creator’s great kindness rest on all who love the Chosen One, with a love that will never grow old or fade away.
Aho! May it be so!
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Small Man to the Sacred Family in Village of Desire 6: FNVNT
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