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SearchTo Nathaniel – Discernment is Necessary
Then went the Master over to Nathaniel. As Nathaniel stood up, Jesus bade him be seated and,
sitting down by his side, said: "Nathaniel, you have learned to live above prejudice and to
practice increased tolerance since you became my apostle. But there is much more for you to
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learn. You have been a blessing to your fellows in that they have always been admonished by
your consistent sincerity. When I have gone, it may be that your frankness will interfere with
your getting along well with your brethren, both old and new. You should learn that the
expression of even a good thought must be modulated in accordance with the intellectual status
and spiritual development of the hearer. Sincerity is most serviceable in the work of the kingdom
when it is wedded to discretion.
"If you would learn to work with your brethren, you might accomplish more permanent things,
but if you find yourself going off in quest of those who think as you do, in that event dedicate
your life to proving that the God-knowing disciple can become a kingdom builder even when
alone in the world and wholly isolated from his fellow believers. I know you will be faithful to
the end, and I will some day welcome you to the enlarged service of my kingdom on high."
Then Nathaniel spoke, asking Jesus this question: "I have listened to your teaching ever since
you first called me to the service of this kingdom, but I honestly cannot understand the full
meaning of all you tell us. I do not know what to expect next, and I think most of my brethren
are likewise perplexed, but they hesitate to confess their confusion. Can you help me?" Jesus,
putting his hand on Nathaniel's shoulder, said: "My friend, it is not strange that you should
encounter perplexity in your attempt to grasp the meaning of my spiritual teachings since you are
so handicapped by your preconceptions of Jewish tradition and so confused by your persistent
tendency to interpret my gospel in accordance with the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees.
"I have taught you much by word of mouth, and I have lived my life among you. I have done all
that can be done to enlighten your minds and liberate your souls, and what you have not been
able to get from my teachings and my life, you must now prepare to acquire at the hand of that
master of all teachers--actual experience. And in all of this new experience which now awaits
you, I will go before you and the Spirit of Truth shall be with you. Fear not; that which you now
fail to comprehend, the new teacher, when he has come, will reveal to you throughout the
remainder of your life on earth and on through your training in the eternal ages."