Everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1 John 2:16 (1 John 2)

Doth not love tha world. Things of tha world be shiny and pretty ter look at, but our cravings fer ‘em come from tha devil.

That black-hearted snake be more crafty than any creature Skipper made. Right off he tricked Eve. He pointed ter some fruit and said, ““Did Skipper really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

But that not be what Skipper said ah tall. That scoundrel be twisting Skipper’s words like serpents ‘ill be known ter do. Thar be plenty of trees Eve and Adam could ‘ave eaten from, if they had a mind ter. Skipper only pointed out thar be but one off limites and it in tha middle of the garden.

But when Eve saw that the fruit of tah tree be fit ter eat and pleasing ter her eyes, and good fer gaining wisdom, she took a bite. From thar man’s passage veered off course something terrible.

This be tha way things always go. A good many folks who deny tha Son and his authority go out from our crew ever day. They ne’re really belonged ter us. It be hard to know sometimes what be in a feller’s heart, don’ ya know.

But ya have been smeared with tha Son’s tanning oil, so ter speak. Anointed and appointed by tha Holy One. Ya know all things ‘cause of him. Ya know that truth ‘cause of him. Tha smearing on of his Holy oil remains on ya and his truth remains in ya. With that Holy Ghost of Truth, ya know ‘bout all things. His oil not be counterfeit like some knock-off brands knaves and reprobates peddle on tha wharf.

If ya looking ter test who really be one of tha Son’s crew, watch what he does. Them born of tha Son does what be right. Them born of tha world does what seems right by tha world, but be contrary ter Skipper’s Code of Conduct. Them born of tha world says they be in Skipper’s crew, but hate thar brother and sister and most other folks who don’ agree with ’em. If a feller or lass be coated in tha Son’s oil, they ‘ill correct with gentleness, not with harsh words.

A good many ‘ave gone off and hurt folks by treating Skipper’s words like it be tha cat o’ nine tails. Watch out fer folks like this. If ya see one beating a feller with Skip’s Code of Conduct, kindly ask him ter stop.

Skipper’s words be a book of love, not a book of tha lash.