
“Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations?
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
~ Socrates ~
Who am I? What is mine to do? What is my purpose? How do I make a difference in the world? These are common questions that arise for the spiritually inspired who have taken an assessment of their personal beliefs, values, and worldview.
Based on the premise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7), I imagine Divine Wisdom’s response, saying in effect: ‘You are pure spirit, an individualization of the One Spirit which is the Sole Creator of all life. Everything that you do is the creative nature of the Creator expressing through you, as you. The purpose-driven life of the one aligned with spiritual principles is a conduit through which Unconditional Love, Peace, Harmony, Wisdom, Wholeness, Abundance, Beauty, and Joy are unleashed, creating a positive force for good in the world.’
~ ~ ~ ~
When one is in alignment with the nature of the One Source, God, there is a natural tendency to ‘give’ to the world. They are service-oriented people, serving humanity with their time, talents, skills, and abilities, regardless of the avenue used, be it academic, corporate, political, or the arts. The choice is always ours, and the ever-present creative energy flows the same through all. What matters is the motive (or driving force) for doing what is being offered. It is from a consciousness of unity and a sincere intention for the highest good of everyone to be realized, that a world that works for everyone begins to emerge.
The blind spot for the one who has never questioned their existence and inadvertently seeks to ‘get’ something from the world, may be as simple as the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and actions, inherited from the error-thought and worldview of the unenlightened.
Rev. Michael B. Beckwith teaches: “Disagree with any thought-form that says, “My good is coming from someone else. My answer is coming from someone else.” All good comes directly from the Source of all Creation.”
~ ~ ~ ~
From outer appearances, there may be no evidence based on one’s occupation that distinguishes the enlightened from the unenlightened. As the Zen Proverb teaches: “Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.”However, those who, in the recesses of their being, are awake enough to practice their spiritual identity, their personal mission, and goals, are a beneficial presence in the world.
These ones, also being aware of their own unenlightened parts, engage in a daily practice of Love, Forgiveness, Peace, and Compassion for all. They are forever growing into their greater-yet-to-be, whose consciousness is making a difference in the world.
“I AM a conduit expressing the attributes of the Divine, which I know creates a positive force for Good in our world.”
Mary Jane LaBonte
Dear Rev.MaryLouise, Thank you so much for continuing to write your essays. These writings are for me a continuing connection to your wonderful teachings, though we are not meeting in person. As you make transitions to a “greater yet to be” I pray that all goes smoothly and that there is a perfect outpicturing happening for you. Sending light and love your way. Delia
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