Away With Folly!
Do not attach yourself to any one person, and don’t allow anyone to cling to you. Live simply and spontaneously. Make no demands—neither on people nor on life itself. Live a hidden life in all modesty, and you will spare yourself many worries and cares. Don’t bother trying to appear spiritual in the church, because there are enough who notice it and take countermeasures. Live in such a way that others must push you to the forefront, because that is the same as being told: “Friend, go up higher.” Refrain from correcting someone in the presence of another person who might have more wisdom than you. If you shout “Amen” or “Hallelujah” in a meeting, make sure that you do it with enough spirit and life that others get the desire to shout with you. Do not exaggerate in your testimony or use words that are too strong, and do not be more zealous with other people than you are with yourself. Try to distinguish between testifying, instructing and lecturing when you stand up to testify. Don’t put on a “preaching voice” when you speak. “Showmanship” or gesturing with head or arms does not impress a spiritual assembly. All such things can only impress the outward man. Do not quarrel about God’s Word, because wisdom holds its peace in a man of understanding.