Curious: once a reality is actualized, is it possible to give it up, sell it or otherwise dispose of it?
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Agondonters
420 posts · 13 participants · started Mar 23, 2017, 2:39 PM
Did you find a quote where Jesus told people to sell their pondering, or give it away? I don’t think so. Understanding is part of growth. The only kind of understanding he wants you to give away is misunderstanding. Cast it off and go with understanding.
Jesus may not have “told people” to change what they may be “pondering” but he did “ponder anew” many things after due consideration. Therefore, He put aside one for another, based on current event in His life.
(1390.5) 126:3.10 The great confusion of Jesus’ younger days now arose. Having settled something about the nature of his mission on earth, “to be about his Father’s business” — to show forth his Father’s loving nature to all mankind — he began to ponder anew the many statements in the Scriptures referring to the coming of a national deliverer, a Jewish teacher or king. To what event did these prophecies refer? Was not he a Jew? or was he? Was he or was he not of the house of David? His mother averred he was; his father had ruled that he was not. He decided he was not. But had the prophets confused the nature and mission of the Messiah?
- Gene wrote: Curious: once a reality is actualized, is it possible to give it up, sell it or otherwise dispose of it?
That’s a really excellent question. Wouldn’t Michael have loved to give up, sell or dispose of the Rebellion after it was actualized!! Not a chance. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I really don’t know anything about that. I’m guessing it’s just not wise to do that. But it does say in TUB, now that Michael is Sovereign, all that can’t be organized will be eliminated . . . but I think that’s a process of evolution into light and life, a natural decay of unusable (no-value) parts, and a prospering of usable (value) parts, or something like that . . . haven’t thought that all the way through.
I’m inclined to think that after any potential becomes actualized there’s no going back. That would include any potential, good, sinful or a shade of gray in between (evil). True, beautiful and good actualizations immediately gravitate to their appropriate circuit and become part of the Supreme. The act is ours the consequences are God’s. Gray actualizations contribute to the growth of wisdom as they are corrected and rehabilitated. Evil actualizations don’t gravitate toward anything lasting at all, but they do have local consequences (wheat & tares kinda thing). In that case, evil acts are ours and so are the consequences . . . one way or another we have to deal with them.
I do think all the useless actualizations eventually isolate themselves and cease to exist after all attempts at rehab are made. (Both people and consequences of sin). Sometimes I think this world has visible evidence of this process in spades. Those things that can’t be spiritualized become disorganized in very big and obvious ways. I mean we see it happen before our very eyes all the time. The world wars, the religious wars, the current societal insanity with constant ideological wars . . . I think they are all manifestations of the gradual disorganization of all the actualizations that cannot be spiritualized. They’re working themselves into oblivion . . . it seems crazier and crazier all the time . . . until they are finally destroyed. And yet we have so many who stubbornly hold unto what is not real and just won’t let go. I think they call it cosmic insanity, which is the same as cosmic disorganization. But I suppose the gods have a handle on patience and mercy, so it’s not a matter I can judge fairly at all. I’ll just deal . . .
21:5.4 The elevation of a sevenfold bestowal Son to the unquestioned sovereignty of his universe means the beginning of the end of agelong uncertainty and relative confusion. Subsequent to this event, that which cannot be sometime spiritualized will eventually be disorganized; that which cannot be sometime co-ordinated with cosmic reality will eventually be destroyed. When the provisions of endless mercy and nameless patience have been exhausted in an effort to win the loyalty and devotion of the will creatures of the realms, justice and righteousness will prevail. That which mercy cannot rehabilitate justice will eventually annihilate.
Well, well……what an interesting weekend here at the Forum!!!
In reading along, a few things came to mind. One of which includes, to me, a very humorous irony that I confess I’ve struggled with just how to present. Hmmmm………..
First, I am known by some as a ‘literalist” and I embrace the term willingly (I’ve been called worse – haha). Some here have claimed to touch the UB or read a page or two and immediately knew the Papers to be true and to be what they claimed. I was much slower in that regard, took me at least two readings to conclude that the only thing more incredible and ridiculous than the UB claims for itself being true was to hold onto my initial belief that, of course the UB was authored by humans with, at best, an astute case of inspiration. I mean what reasonable person would just accept celestial authors, fandors, 9 foot tall people who glow in the dark, midwayers, the 6 colored races in one family, the twins Andon and Fonta, Amadon’s longevity, and all the rest? I was a dedicated God and truth seeker but, you know, there’s far more in the UB than I was seeking out at the time – haha!! Appeared to be a lot of camels to swallow for this tadpole!
A ‘literalist’ however is not someone who believes the claims made but only believes this: the UB says what it says and does not say what it does not AND the authors said what they meant/intended and intended/meant what they said. Simple. No demand to agree with or believe what is written….only a confidence in its sincerity and intent….a literalist….that’s me. I did come to believe the claims as, over time, the threads became woven into a tapestry of color, form, geometry, depth, dimension, and illustration of presentation of a unified, glorified, and wondrous illumination of universe reality. The picture within the tapestry discovered gained a credibility that no other source had ever delivered to me in all its confirmations, elaborations, and connections of that reality of creation and my place within it. But that’s another tale.
The UB claims its purpose is to reduce confusion and eliminate errors of knowledge, belief, perspective, detail, and context in the minds of believers and seekers…to help our understanding of reality, the better to know God and become like God.
Those who claim knowledge is unimportant or understanding undesirable do not know or “understand” the first thing about the Revelation! Enno has claimed the UB to be dangerous….very dangerous. And its study unimportant. And understanding something to ‘sacrifice’. Don’t get it. Knowledge and understanding unimportant? And then claims a great mind for himself! Thanks to all of you who have allowed the Papers to speak for themselves in this matter! Kudos.
Now to the irony….for a literalist like me!
Jesus did not teach in the literal way. The bible shows this and the UB confirms this. To believe/teach/preach that the kingdom of heaven IS the pearl of great price and we must all SELL ALL to inherit the kingdom completely deforms and distorts the teaching. The kingdom is like a pearl of great price – it has a value that surpasses all value without the kingdom – nothing has so much value. It’s value is so great that one would give whatever they might posses to have such a valued thing. But the kingdom is not a thing. And while it has great value it cannot be purchased….indeed, love and eternal potential are freely given to each and all…it is one of our inherently endowed natures – the spiritual nature. It has no cost….or price….it is not for sale (and has nothing to do with the wanna be rich boy who wanted to serve – but who could not serve two masters).
Jesus taught by parable and the pearl is but one such….and none of them are literal. Are people sheep? Do we belong to flocks and live in folds? Do we literally have beams projecting out our eye balls? Are believers really salt and yeast? Is the gospel a bush/tree seed? Are people tares and wheat? Do we strain gnats and swallow camels whole? Do we cast nets for souls? Is the kingdom a coin or pearl? I am amused by the irony that a literalist need point this out to anyone. When it is said something is “like unto”, does this not immediately claim itself as metaphor and allegory? Who does not know this? Who cannot understand this?
I think what must be given up is prejudice….the love of one’s own opinion and beliefs and the steadfast grasp on the reality known now while disallowing the reality that, at best, such an individual perspective (or understanding) cannot perceive simply by being blinded by one’s current beliefs and understanding. I find it interesting that Enno claims one must give up one’s understanding rather than believe that one must progress in their understanding….and the importance of fact and knowledge in expanding our understanding. It’s rather self contradictory. Enno claims to understand that the Revelation is Dangerous, knowledge is unimportant, heaven and salvation have a price to pay for admission, few are going to survive this world, and fear is appropriate in this friendly universe. It might serve him if he understood more, rather than less??!! Perhaps we might ponder on this matter…………..
Another important point: We are told to be careful when considering the Master’s words to also remember the specific audience for his words. Context is important to understanding. Jesus had lessons for Apostles, and others for Disciples, and still others for Believers, and some rather harsh ones for Priests, and for individuals in specific circumstances facing particular issues. But Jesus never did say or teach that heaven or God’s love has a price or cost. Or that worry and anxiety was a good thing. Or that ignorance and prejudice were worthwhile. He taught that reality is so wonderful we should all want to learn of it and live in it as God’s children forevermore and all it takes is love of one another and the desire to become like our First Source and Center as described and delivered by our own Creator Son, Master of Nebadon…. a friendly, kind, merciful, and loving reality….where a little knowledge, understanding, desire, and will can deliver the eternal adventure to us each and all. It’s not called The Good News for nothing.
Anyway….good to be back and thanks to all who labor in love to let the Papers speak and for sharing by caring this wonderful book of facts and knowledge which can, when studied and applied, propel the quest for truth, beauty, and goodness forward into eternal progress – and greater understanding. Lot’s for me to catch up on…be back again soon.
I do truly appreciate all the twists and turns, roundabouts, and intersections of thought and experience demonstrated here. Good topic. Great posts and conversation. What a Book!! What a gift to our world. = )
159:3.5 (1766.1) Never be guilty of such unworthy tactics as endeavoring to frighten men and women into the kingdom. A loving father does not frighten his children into yielding obedience to his just requirements.
159:3.6 (1766.2) Sometime the children of the kingdom will realize that strong feelings of emotion are not equivalent to the leadings of the divine spirit. To be strongly and strangely impressed to do something or to go to a certain place, does not necessarily mean that such impulses are the leadings of the indwelling spirit.
159:3.7 (1766.3) Forewarn all believers regarding the fringe of conflict which must be traversed by all who pass from the life as it is lived in the flesh to the higher life as it is lived in the spirit. To those who live quite wholly within either realm, there is little conflict or confusion, but all are doomed to experience more or less uncertainty during the times of transition between the two levels of living. In entering the kingdom, you cannot escape its responsibilities or avoid its obligations, but remember: The gospel yoke is easy and the burden of truth is light.
159:3.8 (1766.4) The world is filled with hungry souls who famish in the very presence of the bread of life; men die searching for the very God who lives within them. Men seek for the treasures of the kingdom with yearning hearts and weary feet when they are all within the immediate grasp of living faith. Faith is to religion what sails are to a ship; it is an addition of power, not an added burden of life. There is but one struggle for those who enter the kingdom, and that is to fight the good fight of faith. The believer has only one battle, and that is against doubt — unbelief.
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
Hi Bradly,
It’s nice to have you back to challenge my comprehension of so much that interests me. I hope you had a restful weekend. I think I remember you saying you were going to spend some time with your family, something I cherish to do too soon.
Anyway, yes, it was an interesting weekend on the forum, the other one too. There seems to be developing more of the spirit of understanding and cooperation. At least it feels that way to me.
It would be nice if this could continue. It takes time to learn to understand each other, what motivates a person and grow.
Enno
Hey Bradly, welcome back. Great reply. A lot of tangents have developed here without you. It’s all good though, I think.
I was considering starting another thread about the kingdom of heaven since it’s a little off topic. But this thread is developing nicely and I hate to make people split their attentions. What do you think? Should I proceed with it here or wait until this thread dies and then start a new one? I’m happy either way. Heck, I’m happy period . . . just sayin’.
A ‘literalist’ however is not someone who believes the claims made but only believes this: the UB says what it says and does not say what it does not AND the authors said what they meant/intended and intended/meant what they said. Simple. No demand to agree with or believe what is written….only a confidence in its sincerity and intent….a literalist….that’s me.
Bradly, I’ve become used to your expression which you use readily, over and over again, but I also might suggest a change, because as I have mentioned in the past “the UB cannot say anything” without the interpretation of the reader. However, you also present that the “authors said”, where again it implies that one can understand that the authors admit to a disadvantage which they have in the way that they must present the information in the UB, therefore have assumed the best way in which to present what they can or are allowed to present. They have also indicated that because they are mandated or forbidden to reveal many things which may alter our understanding of their presentations, be it because by presenting more of, or accurate data, especially that which might alter our future, regardless of truth as might be considered at any given time of reading, it would seem that what may be considered as truth is their viewpoint from the time of their presentation. What they have not presented to use, or omitted, for our own good, would be understandable but at the same time, the presentation of the UB at its time, would also violate this same mandate of sorts, but when one examines the information presented therein, one can see that much of this information has already been revealed to mankind, only in different forms of writings within this world’s history. Many of the so called corrections which they present have been pondered by many over the years, therefore not information that would change the future in such a way as to cause issues but merely to present the actual from other speculations made by others.
To the point of what the UB “does not say what it does not”, would also fall into the area of the authors indicating that they cannot mention things that they are not allowed to, but having indicated that they cannot do something, for specific reasons, specifies that there is much more that they have not “said” which would also change what they have “said”. Therefore, by stating that there is more to the truth they present, makes many student readers of the UB, ponder what has been presented, they would naturally ponder over what was not presented. It might also seem that the authors, having presented information in such a way as to be slightly confusing would have done so in order to stimulate a better understanding of what the authors want us to think they actually intended to “say” by not “saying” something?
So, being a ‘literalist’ as you profess, is fine for you, but your literal interpretation, of what you understand the authors “meant/intended and intended/meant” to “say”, is limited to your own insight to the truth. In the same sense, that your repetitive statement above, would imply that the UB has only a black or white interpretation, and that there is no room for any gray area in-between.
Midi – oh I see plenty of “grey” for sure and am often perplexed and remain curious about what I don’t yet understand. That’s why I ask lots of questions here and elsewhere and everywhere….there’s so much to learn! Am/nod/Enno snipped a post of mine here to “share” at TruthBook recently where he criticized me for being confused and confusing others when I asked a sincere question here but quipped it might only add to my confusion as though he is not confused and mine is unworthy somehow. One of my favorite sayings is – if you’re not confused then you’re not paying attention…..for there is plenty to be confused about….not everything of course…but plenty nonetheless.
I’ll not be toyed with by one who claims to believe in the UB and love it and post for weeks about how the UB is Dangerous – which is it? What’s the inconsistency mean? Isn’t sincerity the key to the kingdom? I sincerely hope that some pondering might bring understanding and an alignment with reality….and so I hope for us all.
Direct contradictions of the text is not an in between or gray area Midi….but yes there’s plenty to discover in the perspectives and understandings of others…..we are all living our own version of truth and reality….and mine is no more important than any other’s.
As to understanding the text as written and presented….not only do different people find different confirmations of truth and a different set of fact-priorities-connections that every student is having a very personal educational experience (and hopefully a spiritual one too if actually practicing the teachings of prayer and worship and love and service), but also every reading for me has delivered new meanings and new forms of value delivering new truth from the same material Amazing to consider and one of the primary reasons for my eventual conclusion that no mortal mind authored this gift.
Regarding a certain voice you may be speaking of – the consistency of a voice is important; meaning one who constantly contradicts themselves AND the Papers is a perplexion. I am pondering it………………= )
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
Bonita…your call. Certainly worthy of its own topic….a long one. Related to Agondonters in so many ways. I’m good either way.
Recommended:
Paper 170
The Kingdom of HeavenJesus used five different definitions…something to ponder and understand and put into context. = )
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
Amazing to consider and one of the primary reasons for my eventual conclusion that no mortal mind authored this gift.
Interesting Bradly, in a sense the authors have indicated that some of the information presented in the UB, specifically Part four, came from some forms of mortal minds, but I would agree that it is “amazing to consider”, but not impossible to think, where are you familiar with the writings associated to the Mormons, where it also seems that those writings were presented in a similar manor as the UB? And having some study in those text, I have found a large similarity in the context that they contain with what is presented in the UB. So, even though the information was presented in a similar manor, the transcripts, and composition of either, is not out of the question that mortal minds could have had an impact. If you are not familiar with those writings, I would not expect you to understand where I’m coming from, so there is the issue when it comes to the individual understanding of the UB.
Amazing to consider and one of the primary reasons for my eventual conclusion that no mortal mind authored this gift.
Interesting Bradly, in a sense the authors have indicated that some of the information presented in the UB, specifically Part four, came from some forms of mortal minds, but I would agree that it is “amazing to consider”, but not impossible to think, where are you familiar with the writings associated to the Mormons, where it also seems that those writings were presented in a similar manor as the UB? And having some study in those text, I have found a large similarity in the context that they contain with what is presented in the UB. So, even though the information was presented in a similar manor, the transcripts, and composition of either, is not out of the question that mortal minds could have had an impact. If you are not familiar with those writings, I would not expect you to understand where I’m coming from, so there is the issue when it comes to the individual understanding of the UB.
I’m familiar with those writings and I don’t think the Urum or thumb things were used in the 5th epochal revelation and TUB does exactly what it says – enhances understanding of even mormons.
Midi, you confuse me and I can’t figure what your point or intent is.
Trying to put something in or take something out?? My guess is the latter.
(0:0.1) IN THE MINDS of the mortals of Urantia—that being the name of your world—there exists great confusion
so there is the issue when it comes to the individual understanding of the UBwhich is why
I would not expect you to understand where I’m coming frombecause if I did, I would probably end up more confused paying attention to myself, instead of you.Sounds like a nagging wife to me
nitpicking everything I do
<—>
Bologna
Bonita…your call. Certainly worthy of its own topic….a long one. Related to Agondonters in so many ways. I’m good either way. Recommended: Paper 170 The Kingdom of Heaven Jesus used five different definitions…something to ponder and understand and put into context. = )
ill vote kingdom
I think it important to focus for a time on the issue of confusion (lack of understanding) as a normal state for the evolutionary and educational progress in the Spirit of all mortals and later, mortal ascenders on the Mansion Worlds. Those who have no confusions are, by definition, entrenched in prejudice and pride….or simply too dull to notice true choices. Which is not to say that we remain confused by the same issues but education is always progressive meaning the material becomes more complex and more inter-related to other issues. The universe, we are told, is a near endless university system of higher learning where we will never know all that there is to know and everything known has been learned.
That’s why I say or agree with the saying that if you’re not confused you’re simply not paying attention. The angels and the TA keep us all engaged in challenges in learning by our choices which derive from our motives, intentions, and priorities in that choosing. We must discern the best choice possible for us in the moment and discern those repercussions/results to determine, by such experience, the even better choice next time.
As Bonita pointed out – better and more better and better-est, etc. Every choice we make has a wiser choice available which will become apparent over time making endless choices…this is how experience may lead to wisdom. Only the all-wise and all-experienced ones of Paradise are never confused. I would suggest that Michael and then Jesus were and have been perplexed and confused by which choice was the best choice in certain challenges faced by him….especially the mortal born Jesus but I think even the Creator Sons know such confusion in their own experiential acquirement of wisdom. So, one might propose that confusion itself is progressive in that it attends us throughout our education and experiential wisdom attainments.
As has been well documented already – we are driven by curiosity and the endless quest to understand – this is how we are created and endowed and motivated into a progressive life of learning. Facts and knowledge may not determine the soul’s survival or its initial birth and growth…but true progress in the ascension career will always be attended by the learning quest and application of increased knowledge of universe reality as we acquire experiential wisdom concurrent with increased knowledge and understanding. So, NO, we do not surrender our understanding…but YES, understanding is also progressive and so we must not become too attached and entrenched in the understanding we have today.
I’ve always found the inherent link between confusion and uncertainty with the experience of adventure. Adventure requires uncertain outcomes and results and some mystery as to how choice results in outcomes to progressively learn and gain experience for gaining wisdom. Wisdom, in some ways, is gained as learning by doing. Much like the skills of the musician, artist, athlete, craftsman, builder, engineer, parent, etc. Skills of every kind are earned by the repetitive exercise of living or practice. We must stand (without falling) before we walk and walk before running and running before jumping and jumping before cart wheels. Learning is doing or it is not learning much yet.
Personal religion is the same…it is far more than knowing or believing or hoping….faith is an act and expression and the more we act by faith, the more such experience will deliver wisdom and growth.
We are told we must learn to feast on uncertainty. A peculiar fact that takes some time to appreciate. We are adventurers by nature and there is no adventure without uncertainty of outcomes. Now certainly there is nothing uncertain about God or love or destiny or the friendliness of the universe….which is why adventure and uncertainty does NOT require fear or anxiety. We are to trust God and Michael and the angels and our TA implicitly with our safe keeping in all of our uncertainties and adventures on the pilgrim’s path to Paradise.
This is true for all finaliters….and especially challenging but important to us tadpoles whose destiny is Agondonter!
Those voices of doubt, despair, anxiety, and fear are to be ignored by believers….unless it can be ministered to by a voice of hope, good cheer, faith, trust, and confidence in the realities of this friendly universe. Pay NO ATTENTION to those who proclaim to be believer but whose words and attitude demonstrate a true lack of trust, hope, and faith. Those folk are choking on mind poison and are so eager to share the bitterness such a diet always brings to their mind and life. The sad and the angry and the hopeless and the desperate have nothing of any value to share with anyone. The best we can do is offer the light of hope and keep moving forward without allowing false sympathy to detour our own journey. There are plenty of people who suffer, and not by their own choices and priorities, who might indeed respond to such a light and such a life as those believers who trust, have faith, and show an abiding confidence and inner peace in their own relationship with God and their adventure in the cosmos.
102:2.1 (1119.6) Observing minds and discriminating souls know religion when they find it in the lives of their fellows. Religion requires no definition; we all know its social, intellectual, moral, and spiritual fruits. And this all grows out of the fact that religion is the property of the human race; it is not a child of culture. True, one’s perception of religion is still human and therefore subject to the bondage of ignorance, the slavery of superstition, the deceptions of sophistication, and the delusions of false philosophy.
102:2.2 (1119.7) One of the characteristic peculiarities of genuine religious assurance is that, notwithstanding the absoluteness of its affirmations and the stanchness of its attitude, the spirit of its expression is so poised and tempered that it never conveys the slightest impression of self-assertion or egoistic exaltation. The wisdom of religious experience is something of a paradox in that it is both humanly original and Adjuster derivative. Religious force is not the product of the individual’s personal prerogatives but rather the outworking of that sublime partnership of man and the everlasting source of all wisdom. Thus do the words and acts of true and undefiled religion become compellingly authoritative for all enlightened mortals.
102:2.3 (1119.8) It is difficult to identify and analyze the factors of a religious experience, but it is not difficult to observe that such religious practitioners live and carry on as if already in the presence of the Eternal. Believers react to this temporal life as if immortality already were within their grasp. In the lives of such mortals there is a valid originality and a spontaneity of expression that forever segregate them from those of their fellows who have imbibed only the wisdom of the world. Religionists seem to live in effective emancipation from harrying haste and the painful stress of the vicissitudes inherent in the temporal currents of time; they exhibit a stabilization of personality and a tranquillity of character not explained by the laws of physiology, psychology, and sociology.
102:2.4 (1120.1) Time is an invariable element in the attainment of knowledge; religion makes its endowments immediately available, albeit there is the important factor of growth in grace, definite advancement in all phases of religious experience. Knowledge is an eternal quest; always are you learning, but never are you able to arrive at the full knowledge of absolute truth. In knowledge alone there can never be absolute certainty, only increasing probability of approximation; but the religious soul of spiritual illumination knows, and knows now. And yet this profound and positive certitude does not lead such a sound-minded religionist to take any less interest in the ups and downs of the progress of human wisdom, which is bound up on its material end with the developments of slow-moving science.
Hope you are enjoying the adventure!! = )
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
Good idea, let’s talk a little bit about confusion and why it creates the lack of understanding.
(23:2.12) The confusion and turmoil of Urantia do not signify that the Paradise Rulers lack either interest or ability to manage affairs differently. The Creators are possessed of full power to make Urantia a veritable paradise, but such an Eden would not contribute to the development of those strong, noble, and experienced characters which the Gods are so surely forging out on your world between the anvils of necessity and the hammers of anguish. Your anxieties and sorrows, your trials and disappointments, are just as much a part of the divine plan on your sphere as are the exquisite perfection and infinite adaptation of all things to their supreme purpose on the worlds of the central and perfect universe.
Even though we might not understand it, there’s a purpose to it. Being confused.
It might even be desirable. I mean if we need to be forged, then have at it. It’s the paying attention part that’s hard.
(3:5.13) 8. Is unselfishness—the spirit of self-forgetfulness—desirable? Then must mortal man live face to face with the incessant clamoring of an inescapable self for recognition and honor. Man could not dynamically choose the divine life if there were no self-life to forsake. Man could never lay saving hold on righteousness if there were no potential evil to exalt and differentiate the good by contrast.
I really want to know. How can I be self-forgetting and pay attention at the same time?
- Van Amadon wrote: How can I be self-forgetting and pay attention at the same time?
You’re not really serious with that question are you? Sometimes I can’t tell.
You have to learn how to pay attention to God and other people instead of yourself. What exactly do you think self-forgetting is? Do you think it means live for the moment with spontaneous outbursts of emotion according to sudden bursts of inner impulses without any thought at all? No filters? Just feelings? That’s works if you love drama or you’re two years old. Maturity . . . what is maturity? Now that a the question.
Perhaps pay less attention to ourselves? (I first wrote ‘yourself’ but that didn’t include all of us and we all must do this).
I always tell my unhappy children, when they are unhappy, that so long as they are the most important being and the center of their universe, then happiness will remain elusive and fleeting.
Now we must still see to our material needs and the needs of those who depend upon us. We cannot be generous or very effective servants if we are not independently sufficient….meaning it is hard to serve others when we depend on others for our own needs. So, we are taught that a true believer demonstrating the fruits of the spirit is ever more capable of managing the material life too.
We are to pay attention to reality and to those choices at the intersections of time and relationship I think. We are to focus on God within and the family with-out and to learn to serve others and discover how to understand – value and meaning – with every choice and act.
I guess it all depends on what and who you are paying your attention to. Here, we pay attention to the Revelation’s teachings on reality and destiny and progress in the Spirit – knowledge, understanding, living, sharing, and caring!
= ) Another simultaneous post with Bonita!!! Hahaha!
"Live loyally today—grow—and tomorrow will attend to itself. The quickest way for a tadpole to become a frog is to live loyally each moment as a tadpole."
