Hypocrisy

“Hypocrisy”

Hypocrisy is NOT failing to practice what we preach; it IS pretending to have beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, etc. that we do NOT actually possess. Religious/spiritual hypocrisy is pretending to have moral or religious beliefs/principles, etc., that we do not adhere to.

“A hypocrite is one who acts contrary to what they say or what they believe.” (Jeremiah 42:20)

All forms of hypocrisy are deceptive. Oftentimes, hypocratic deception not only deceives those around us, it deceives us as well, and corrodes our well-being.

"Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite of what you feel …" (from Doctor Zhivago)

When a hypocrite's words and actions do not match, anothers faith can be destroyed. Religious/spiritual hypocrisy is one of the main reasons that people to turn away from religion/spiritual teachings. Every wisdom tradition teaches us that judgments we place upon others, resonate with us because they are, in some way, self-judgments.

Rather than seeing others as hypocrites, it will serve us well to look deep within ourselves before deciding to cast the first stone. When we see the faults of others and refuse to see our own faults, we are hypocrites.

"Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye." (Luke 6:42)

“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” (Romans 2: 1)

One of the saddest things about religious/spiritual hypocrisy is that outwardly, we may appear faithful, but we are nothing more than actors, playing a part.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matt. 23:27-28).

When our religious/spiritual practices are hit-or-miss, we remain in bondage; when we are play acting or faking it, we can not connect with or be healed by the Divine Light/Jesus. Our religious/spiritual practices needn’t be a full time job, but our thoughts, words and actions, do need to come about naturally from our heart, on a full time basis.

“His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” (Psalm 55:21)

“Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:7-9).

If we are unable to put into practice the moral or religious beliefs/principles, etc., that we profess to believe in, we are being hypocrites. There is simply no excuse to hypocritically adhere to a religion/spiritual teaching or tradition that we not believe in.

“A little less hypocrisy and a little more self-knowledge can only have good results in respect for our neighbor; for we are all too prone to transfer to our fellows the injustice and violence we inflict upon our own natures” (C.G. Jung, 1966). Two Essays on Analytical Psychology, Collected Works, Volume 7, Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.)

Let us not be religious/spiritual hypocrites. The same Creator made all of us; we are all part of this ONE Creator – no matter what name we choose to call Him, so let us take the time to look at our own lives, before we judge others. Let us consciously strive to understand our own dark or hidden side; it is part of who we are. After we have shed light upon our own dark side, we can shine our light more brightly for others.

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” (John 2:9) “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17) “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” (1 Peter 2:1)

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

Taking a Stand

There are dimensions and levels beyond the 3D world we live in now.  While we are still living in this consciousness, we need light/love to balance out the dark/fear.  The concept of dark/light ... earthly/heavenly... are part of the dualistic thinking which is prevalent in this current consciousness.  For us to evolve/ascend into the higher dimensions of light, we must let go of duality. 

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both Heaven and Earth.  Matthew 6:24

Ample opportunities are provided for each of us, on a daily basis, to choose whether we want to serve the Earthly Realm (dark, fear, hate, anger, lust, greed, sloth, resentment, pain, ignorance, jealousy, disdain, indifference,  etc.) or the Spiritual Realm (light, love, joy, compassion, gratitude, bliss, patience, empathy, humility, loyalty, honor, stewardship, courage, responsibility, etc.). 

We can not give our ALL to more than 1 thing at a time.  This is a law of human nature. While we may very capable of multi-tasking (switching back and forth between 2 of more things, thoughts, emotions, tasks, etc.), we can only give our “full attention” to one thing at a time.  The Spiritual Realm requires our whole body, mind and soul.   When forced to make a choice, we tend to serve that which we desire most.

Regardless of what drama/temptation/situation presents itself to us, we can not sit on the fence, with divided thought/opinions; we must take a stand one way or the other.  For when we adopt attitudes like: makes no difference to me … I can take it or leave it … we are being indifferent.  When we are indifferent, we unconsciously “choose” the Earthly Realm by default, as indifference is of the Earthly Realm.  

It is spiritually dangerous to switch back and forth between being of service to the Spiritual Realm, and being of service to the Earthly Realm.  Whenever we give ourselves to the physical world, which is of the earthly Realm, we separate ourselves from the Creator (God) and the Divine Light (Jesus), which are of the Spiritual Realm.  When we separate ourselves from the Creator (God) and the Divine Light (Jesus), we are unable to trust that the Spiritual Realm will provide for us.  If the Spiritual Realm is not the object of our supreme trust, the Earthly Realm will be, by default.   

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your physical life (Earthly Realm), inquiring what you will eat or what you are to drink; nor about your body, inquiring about what you will wear.  Is not your soul (Spiritual Realm) more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 25  Therefore do not ever be concerned or say, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? 31 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Spiritual Father already knows all your needs. 32  But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.  33 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 34  Matthew 6:25, 31-34 

These three fears (and others,) control those who serve the Earthly Realm.  Thoughtfulness for our souls (Spiritual Realm) is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world (Earthly Realm).  The Spiritual Realm, from wence our life originated, knows what our needs are.  If we live up to our spiritual duties and responsibilities, with full trust in the Spiritual Realm, we will not lack for any thing we truly need.  Seek first the Spiritual Realm; it is the way to be provided for, in both Realms.

No obstacle is able to stand before an unwavering faith in the Spiritual Realm.  The mustard-seed is a very tiny seed, yet it becomes the greatest of all herbs.  With just the smallest amount of genuine faith, we can do many, seemingly impossible, things.  As our faith expands, so does our ability to successfully navigate more difficult things.   With enough faith, nothing is impossible.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"  Matthew 14:31  "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:20 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Mark 11:23

Therefore, let us not worry unduly, about our physical needs; instead, let us trust that the Spiritual Realm, which created our bodies and breathed the breath of life into us, will provide what is needed to sustain us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Now this does not mean that we can sit around all day and do nothing but pray, asking the Spiritual Realm for this or that; that would be a form of sloth; it would also be irresponsible in both Realms.
 
Biblical Scripture, as well as common sense, dictate that we prudently spend time in reflective thought, forethought and discernment, to help maintain, support, and preserve our own lives.  We need to utilize the divine faculties and gifts we were born with, and do the footwork, so to speak, but we do not need to allow ourselves to engage in perplexing and/or distressing thoughts and cares, which lead to despair and leave us incapable of making responsible decisions or taking appropriate actions.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

As our consciousness continues to evolve/ascend, which is what we are here to do, the concept of 3D duality will vanish from our minds.  Until then, each of us must take a stand one way or the other.  

Like all of you, I am a Spiritual Being having a HUMAN Experience; therefore, I, also come face to face with human dramas/temptations/situations which present themselves, on a daily basis.  Depending on how I consciously, or unconsciously, “choose” to navigate these regularly occurring human experiences, I “allow” myself to either stay strong on my spiritual path, or I “allow” myself to be lured off it.   

Which side of the fence are you on?

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light. Amen

Straying off the Spiritual Path

Straying off the Spiritual Path

As stated last week, ample opportunities, are provided for each of us, on a daily basis, to choose whether we want to serve the Earthly Realm or the Spiritual Realm.  Regardless of what drama/temptation/situation presents itself to us, when we allow ourselves to display ANY Attitude/Behavior indicative of the Earthly Realm, we consciously or unconsciously separate ourselves from the Spiritual Realm.

Some Attitudes/behaviors indicative of the Spiritual Realm:

• gentleness
• calmness
• a love of truth
• meek
• peaceful
• teachable
• merciful
• sincere
• tender-hearted
• sensitive
• honest
• forgiving
• patient
• loving
• open
• steadfast
• unwavering consistency
• vigilant
• faithful
• trusting
• modest
• humble
• courteous 

Some Attitudes/behaviors indicative of the Earthly Realm:

• strife
• contention
• self-conceit
• subtle and skilful argumentation
• shrewdness
• bigotry
• bitterness
• racist
• angry
• bullying
• abrasive (in words or actions)
• abusive (physically/mentally/emotionally and/or spiritually)
• disrespectful
• lustful dysfunctional gratification of the passions
• envious
• stubborn
• selfish
• quarrelsome
• malicious
• deceitful
• cunning
• secretive
• crafty
• proud
• haughty
• overbearing
• condescending
• arrogant

It is easy to lose our spiritual focus and our way.  As a matter of fact, it is so easy to do, that we often do not even realize that we are no longer on our spiritual path.  We may be off it for only but a moment or two, or we may stray so far off the spiritual path, that we can not see our way back.  

As you all know, I, like all of you, am a Spiritual Being having a HUMAN Experience; therefore, I, also come face to face with human dramas/temptations/situations which present themselves, on a daily basis.  Depending on how I consciously, or unconsciously, “choose” to navigate these regularly occurring human experiences, I “allow” myself to either stay strong on my spiritual path, or I “allow” myself to be lured off it. 

Case in Point:  This week, I unconsciously allowed myself to temporarily step out of the Spiritual Realm and enter into the Earthly realm.  I behaved in a selfish way; my behavior dishonored a beloved Sister’s Spirit, and temporarily dimmed the light of both of our spirits. 

For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.  James 3:15

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit; Instead, humbly think of others as being more significant than yourselves.  Philippians 2:3 

Can we prevent earthly traits/inclinations, from luring us away from our spiritual path?   … If so, How?

It is written:  I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go.  I will give advice with my eyes upon you.  Psalms 32:8

How do we gain this insight? … Where do we get this instruction? 

Vigilance in our spiritual studies, prayers, meditations, and regular association with “like-minded” people provide opportunities for us to gain insight and direction, as we navigate the Earthly Realm.  

  

With continued vigilance, we learn to see what is in our own hearts; we see what the Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus sees.  We become conscious of the Earthly traits/inclinations which often lead us out of the Spiritual Realm.  The sooner we realize that we are not thinking/acting in a way that is indicative of the Spiritual Realm, the sooner we can correct our thoughts/actions and return to it
. 

If we take the time to process “how” we were lured off the path and “what” we have learned from the experience, we will grow both personally and spiritually (which by the way, is the overall goal of the Church of Ultra Light Consciousness.). 

Self is not ever to be in the forefront; the only true correction for selfishness is true humility.  Humility does not mean that we are obliged to believe or do everything others say, right or wrong; we are not blind to the Earthly traits/inclinations of others; however, honor and esteem are due to each and all.

True humility is having the willingness to view our own importance (needs/desires/opinions/etc.) as being less important than someone else’s importance, in spite of their Earthly traits/inclinations.   When we treat each other with honor and respect in our everyday common conversations and actions … building each other up, both in the Earthly and the Spiritual Realms … not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return it again. … we lead the way, serving as a guide in showing the honor and esteem due to each and all (which incidentally, is one of the spiritual responsibilities of all Church of Ultra Light Consciousness Ministers.). 

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Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Romans 12:10     

Submit to one another out of respect for Christ.   Ephesians 5:21 

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and keep a humble attitude.    1 Peter 3:8  

This is a hard lesson, and very few persons learn it thoroughly.  The Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus are served with our spirit, not with our minds.  It is in our spiritual best interest to make a conscious effort to listen with our hearts so that we may agree in spiritual truth; when we fall short of that, it will serve us well if we agree to disagree, in spiritual love and affection.  

When we are able to apply this lesson, we willingly perform humble tasks, without resentment, which may be of benefit to others.  This does not harm relationships; instead, it makes every yoke lighter.  When we genuinely prefer someone else’s experience, light and knowledge to our own - contentment, peace, harmony, love, order and unity are preserved in our relationships.

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light. Amen