Doves.

Through ideation we experience naive understandings.
Things which seem true at first but don't stand up in time.

This results in cynical reactions, resentment and disillusionment.

When we are young we assume that because we are more or less benevolent and honest that others are the same.  It takes some time for us to realize that others can be quite different from ourselves.  Their heredity and experience can make them quite different.

We must understand that others are not perfect.
They are only human.
Even if they are in positions of authority, including spiritual authority, over us.

Forgiveness helps the forgiver as well as the forgiven.
We are free of cynicism, resentment and disillusionment.

"'be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.'"  Matthew 10:16b (NRSV)

Know the world and be like God.

In the end there is only one teacher and that is God.


(Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.)