Hello Fellow Truth Students,
Spiritual Life First-Spiritual Life Only
Recently I have begun to ask the question of more than a few Truth students I know, “Are you putting your spiritual life first?” This isn’t meant as an opportunity to inflict guilt. This is an opportunity to remember that whatever I put before my spiritual life I’m not going to remember how to appreciate it.
It seems that we want so many things. And it also seems that many of us want the “things” more that we want to understand the Source of the things. I am certain that if we understood the Source then the “things” wouldn’t matter nearly as much. Part of my craving things is bases on my fear of the absence of my good. When I am assured of my good I don’t worry.
Some of the people I know who have the hardest time coping with life on life’s terms are the ones who miss the most Sundays and don’t take our classes. Some of the people I know who seem to have the most coping tools are the ones who are placing their spiritual understanding as a top priority in their lives. Both groups see issues coming up in their lives. One of the groups knows what to do with the issues and remain at peace.
We’re not talking about religion. I teach relatively little religion here. As both a Truth student and teacher I seek practical ways of how to use God in your conscious mind and see it manifest in our daily lives. When I put my spiritual education and understanding on the side burner for even a little bit I begin to experience confusion and rely upon my past experience as the guide for how to think about life and all of its many conditions. My past experience is an unreliable pathway to peace. My past isn’t the Presence of God guiding me in new and correct ways of thinking and perceiving right now.
I need to be reminded over and over again of what is Real and True. I need fellow Truth students beside me. I need friends I can call and talk with about Truth. I need books that guide me prayerfully. I need classes that are fun and filled with laughter as well as information. I need quiet time. I need reminders to go within and listen and I need to go into a room where there is a joyful noise being made.
I invite you to place God and your spirituality first. Before your work. Before your play. Before your sleep. Before your money. Before your relationships. Even before your families. Please notice that I haven’t said “instead of” any of these things. I say we must do it “before” these things.. God is my strength and my wisdom, not people or conditions. God is my joy and my knowledge, not people or conditions. God IS the Source of my Good.
I look forward to studying with you. I am glad to share Truth and laughter with you. I am excited to make a joyful noise alongside you. You are my mighty companions and I am grateful.
In Gladness,
Shawn
