Showing posts with label temptation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label temptation. Show all posts

Sunday, July 22, 2012

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

Sunday, July 15, 2012

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.). 
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