THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
To exist in this world is akin to residing in a foreign land. The term “temporary residents” appropriately describes individuals who dwell outside their homeland. Every person in this life is a wanderer; we are enveloped in flesh, which obscures the essence of our hearts. Consequently, the apostle instructs us not to judge prematurely, but to await the Lord’s return, when He will illuminate the hidden things of darkness and unveil the intentions of the heart, and it is then that everyone will receive praise from God (1 Cor. 4:5). Until that time, during our earthly existence, each individual carries their own heart, and such hearts are largely isolated from one another.
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Furthermore, those who conspire against others often do so in secrecy; because in this transient state, their malice is concealed within their hearts. Why? Because they recognize that this life is not their true home. Let them conceal their intentions; what they hide will ultimately be brought to light, and they too will be unable to conceal themselves.
There exists another layer of meaning in this mystery that may warrant further exploration. Among those who have distanced themselves from the faithful, some pretend to be brethren, creating even more anguish within the body of Christ; they are not entirely avoided, as though they are complete strangers. However, let us not be dismayed by these individuals, dear brethren: I refuse to fear what the flesh can do to me. Even if they remain, infiltrate, feign friendship, or hide, they are still but flesh: place your hope in the Lord, for the flesh can do you no harm. Though it may bring trials and tribulations, it is akin to the process of crushing grapes to produce wine: your suffering will not be without purpose; one may observe you and find inspiration to endure, as you learn to withstand such challenges, just as your Head beheld that first cluster which drew man’s attention—the traitor Judas.
Thus, all who enter with deceitful hearts, wandering and concealing themselves, should not instill fear: the father of these pretenders, Judas, walked alongside your Lord, and He truly knew him; although Judas the traitor wandered and hid, his heart remained exposed to the Lord of all. Deliberately, He selected one whom He could use to comfort you, that you might discern whom to avoid. He could have chosen differently, knowing Judas’ nature; for He declared to His disciples, “Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70). Therefore, even the devil was chosen. Had he not been chosen, how could He have called twelve when eleven would suffice? Judas was included, yet for a distinct purpose. The eleven were chosen for the mission of testing, while the devil served as the means of temptation. This was to provide you an example, so you might recognize those you should steer clear of as evil, those to be wary of as false and deceptive, wandering and hidden, had He not proclaimed, “Behold, I had one of those very men!” I bore an example previously: I desired to suffer, knowing it would offer you solace in your ignorance. What he did to me, he will also do to you; he may inflict many hardships and cause sorrow, offering false accusations along the way.
These individuals will take note of my missteps, watching for where one may falter. They seek to track me down to catch on the wrong foot, ready to accuse. Indeed, who walks without occasionally stumbling? One can easily misspeak in conversation; is it not written, “He who stumbles not in word, that man is perfect” (James 3:2)? Who among us would dare claim perfection? It is vital for everyone to falter at times. Those who linger in the shadows wish to scrutinize every word, hoping to entrap me with false accusations, yet in doing so, they ensnare themselves in their own traps before those they aim to entangle, leading to their own destruction.
Whatever good or truthful words I have spoken have been about God, and about God I have expressed them; it is possible I have spoken them as a man, but it was under God's guidance. God strengthens the faltering path, rebukes the straying soul, forgives those who confess, and restores those who stumble. You must take care how you judge others, for perhaps they may impart wisdom that benefits your soul. You may wonder how one so elusive in their speech can guide your healing. This might be the lesson for your well-being: do not become fixated on mere words, but instead cherish the commandments.
My soul has traversed this experience; I speak of what I have endured. In speaking as one who has survived, I lament, My soul has passed through trials. They will remain concealed. Let my spirit endure encounters with all manner of people—silent and secretive as they may be. Temptation may assail from outside, yet let it find me standing firm on the Rock; let it strike me, but not overthrow me; the house built upon the rock shall stand (Matthew 7:25). While threats may dwell inwardly, I shall stand firm against the trials that come, for I have been cleansed, while those who yield are broken.