Do you lament that the people to whom you present the gospel message do not respond? Do not be discouraged. Multiple exposure is more often necessary than not. In addition, life has a way of catching up with people. Over time, false ideals and ways of living will be challenged by real life. Nature sides with eternal truth. Some people have to go their own way until it is obvious that it isn’t working. Be patient. You are called to plant and water. When the time is right there will be an open door and I will bring to their remembrance the message you gave them and the seeds you planted will grow. 

My word set forth religious practices including sacrifices in the Old Testament. But even there I made it clear that to obey was better than sacrifice. Sacrifices may be very costly, but they can still be a calculated expense that leaves you in control. To obey is an acknowledgment that you are not in control; that there is a higher authority over you. This makes obedience the ultimate sacrifice. It is a matter of surrender. This is superior to all religious rituals, and it is what I ask of you. You speak of my love as unconditional and you are right. Let your surrender to me be unconditional as well. 

Is it possible to be too authentic? Authenticity is very desirable, but you have encountered people who used it as a basis to utter anything that was on their mind. Yet my word says only a fool utters all his mind, and even a fool, when he holds his peace, is esteemed as a man of understanding. You can be authentic and hold your peace. Consider my own example at trial. I was surrounded by many accusers yet I remained silent. Have you noticed that those with real wisdom are sparing with their words, and that when the time is right they can capture the essence of a matter with a brief concise statement? You do well to use your words as a wise master builder, and avoid the danger that is present in a multitude of words. 

How do you see the world? When I created it I said that it was good. But shortly after that there was the fall. So is the world still good? This is more than an abstract hypothetical question for theologians. It affects the way you approach life. If the fall dominates your view of the world around you, then the world is a scary and dangerous place, and fear is a reasonable response. If you believe that my declaration of goodness still dominates, then you can go forth into an unknown future with confidence that there is purpose and a guiding benevolence that watches over it (and you). You are not currently living in Paradise, but don’t let the fall dominate your view of life and diminish it.