I am posting for your edification a redacted (names removed) version of what I emailed to a couple of people trying to drag me into their family dispute.
To the Children of Mr. X:
I am putting this in written form so that there is less confusion. Whatever action you take should be properly informed.
Please know that I share precious little of your apparent world view. While I would be loath to judge anyone, I hardly expect others operate that way. I live consciously by my Christian convictions, and the proper term for my brand of faith is Christian Mysticism. I don’t doubt you will associate that term with much baggage I do not carry, but that can’t be helped.
Rather, let me declare to you the pertinent notions regarding my association with Mr. X. My first and greatest loyalty is to God, and that loyalty takes the form of a very anti-materialist concern in favor of other-worldly truths. I hold no interest in your father’s property, nor very much interest in my own. I regard all material things as mere tools for those other-worldly purposes and designs I perceive.
My own life is not precious to me, but was long ago forfeited to Christ. It follows I would be rather disinterested in my health, safety and sanity, should I perceive the will of God demands it of me.
The God I serve has called upon me to befriend Mr. X. By no means do I imagine my services are any great importance, but I adhere to my convictions and offer what I have. I have not asked anything in return. Many times Mr. X has expressed a desire to lay out a fee for service angle to things, but I have always demurred, making him decide for himself what he wants to do. As one who uses all resources in service to God, whatever Mr. X has pleased to give me I accept.
Should he be destitute and on the streets, I would simply take him home with me and do what I could. The issue has nothing to do with anyone’s stuff.
I have a personal spiritual covenant with Mr. X, not the the X family. I am not family, and I will not be roped into family matters. I refuse to enter into discussions regarding his competence. If what he asks of me is within my power and consistent with my convictions, I will try to execute his wishes. Discussions with me about what is in his best interests is a waste of time, as I regard him the true expert on such matters. Should he decide to fritter it all away, or hoard it to himself, that is his decision. In my mind, whatever material possessions he may have gained over his life was by God’s grace, and he is the sole proper steward of it before God Almighty.
If he changes his mind a hundred times on any single thing, I will do my best to grant his wish each time. I have no end of patience with such things. I am not entangled in results, only my commitment to loyalty. Thus, the only thing which I can advise you do is make your case with him, whatever it is you want him to do. By no means assume my love and regard for him and Mrs. X automatically binds me to your expectations.
Should you find all of this dangerous or threatening, it lies in your hands to take whatever action you see fit. If you manage to, say, obtain a restraining order, I would abide by the terms. However, on your own authority, do not ever presume to instruct me yourselves. I owe you nothing except what God says I owe every other human on earth. I remain friendly and open to all, but I call on all people still breathing to reject this world and the things of this world.
