Believers often choose a form of address that implies personal closeness and direct communication with others, while simultaneously striving to signify their responsibility and humility before higher principles.

The Nuances of Humble Communication in Faith

Believers often choose a form of address that implies personal closeness and direct communication with others, while simultaneously striving to signify their responsibility and humility before higher principles. This distinction in address is not merely coincidental but reflects an inner ideal of modesty and equality. For example, when someone is reproached for excessive ambition, it is said:

"You are becoming the master of an uninhabited planet, and there is no one to exalt your wisdom and greatness. Thus, in the living traditional religion there are many people, but there is no room for your ambitions..." (source: link txt, page: 84)

Such an address using the informal "you" is intended to directly point out personal shortcomings and ambitions that run counter to the principle of humility. At the same time, when talking about their own behavior, believers prefer to maintain distance and self-respect by using the polite form "you." This practice helps them not only to remind themselves of their responsibility but also to emphasize that a cautious and thoughtful attitude should be extended even to themselves.

Another example, which highlights the importance of meekness and the absence of greed in communication with others, is as follows:

"We have never, you know, resorted to flattery; we did not have, God knows, any greedy motives. And we never sought glory among people—neither for you nor for others. Like the Apostles of Christ, we could have relied on our authority, but we did not take advantage of it—we were meek with you and cared for you..." (source: link txt, page: 2782)

Thus, using "you" when addressing others serves as an instrument to pinpoint personal qualities and challenges to humility, while referring to oneself with the polite "you" reinforces a personal awareness of responsibility and subordination to a higher order. This distinction helps maintain a balance between open and direct communication with others and preserving the due respect for oneself and spiritual ideals.