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The Michael Plan

152 posts · 15 participants · started Jul 20, 2014, 4:07 PM

BonitaParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 2:06 PM
Bradley,

Beautifully written. You echo my sentiments exactly. I simply cannot wrap my mind around the idea of going backwards. The result of the Fourth Epochal Revelation was the “One true and apostolic Church,” which was a failure. Now some people want to start the “One true contact commission Church,” evidence that lessons have not been learned. Or, it could mean that weak souls find comfort in the conformity of a group.

I still have no idea what the Michael Planners want and would love to see a simple mission statement. In the meantime, I don’t recall Michael having a plan other than doing God’s will, which is entirely a personal matter, between individual creature and Creator. His message was one of sonship with God and a simple childlike loyalty to the Father which enables the soul to blossom, bringing love to life, the living truth, the living God.

Furthermore, Paper 195, sections 9&10, which Elise claims is Michael’s Plan, was written by midwayers, not Michael, and it’s all about Christianity and its problems. The Fifth Epochal Revelation is not Christianity and trying to make it so is not what is intended. If you go back and read the same paper, section 5, you’ll see quite clearly that the midwayers recommend that religion be a purely personal and spiritual experience forever distinguished from other forms of high thought such as logic, aesthetics, ethics and morals.

If the Michael Planners are looking for new world leaders, then have them look at themselves. I get the feeling that there is a campaign going on here to recruit new converts to the cult. Getting in people’s faces and demanding they commit to one person’s definition of “following Jesus” is eerily reminiscent of self-righteous cult behavior. It has a foul odor that repels. Better to have a spiritual fragrance that attracts. How does that quote go about graciousness, something like the loyalty of love results in a spontaneous and living devotion to all that is true, beautiful and good expressed by the aroma of graciousness. Beating people over the head is not gracious. You won’t woo converts that way, unless they’re hopelessly fear-ridden.

If the great hope of Urantia lies in a new revelation of Jesus, then I suggest that everyone welcome the Spirit of Truth into their souls and allow him to do his own work. If he is allowed to his work with the soul then that soul begins to manifest the same traits the Master manifested while he was living on earth; he is able to live his life anew as part of the experience of each living person. That is Michael’s Plan as I personally know it. He stands knocking at the door to the soul, just let him in so he can do his work. That will be the new revelation of Jesus, the great hope of Urantia.

p2062:11 194:3.1 The Spirit of Truth is concerned primarily with the revelation of the Father’s spirit nature and the Son’s moral character. The Creator Son, in the flesh, revealed God to men; the Spirit of Truth, in the heart, reveals the Creator Son to men. When man yields the “fruits of the spirit” in his life, he is simply showing forth the traits which the Master manifested in his own earthly life. When Jesus was on earth, he lived his life as one personality—Jesus of Nazareth. As the indwelling spirit of the “new teacher,” the Master has, since Pentecost, been able to live his life anew in the experience of every truth-taught believer.
BradlyParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 2:32 PM
Foruming has been a challenge for me. And I have learned far more by those who disagree with me. Many here have been foruming together for years now and know one another. We have also changed one another in perspective and appreciation and discovery that we share here together. So, for those newer posters among us, I hope you will be patient and persistent in your sharing here. Your welcome does not depend upon the agreements or disagreements we may experience but in the time given to come to understand and appreciate others. I really have to watch my own prejudice and passion. Peace.

"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."
BonitaParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 2:38 PM

elise wrote:

I believe the more successful path is to uplift the current community of God-oriented people by showing them the real Jesus and his true teachings.

If you want to show people the real Jesus, then you must have him living inside of you. If he’s in you, please show us; reveal the Jesus who lives in you. We will recognize him because everyone here is a truth-seeker. You are in the right place. Everyone here loves Jesus and everyone here is working with him. He directs the loving contact between personalities. May I suggest a more loving, a more Jesus-like approach to your mission. Allow Jesus to do his work and get yourself out of the way.
tasParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 2:47 PM
If the Michael Planners are looking for new world leaders, then have them look at themselves. I get the feeling that there is a campaign going on here to recruit new converts to the cult.

Well, that seems a bit harsh and too far. Elise brought up the “Michael’s Plan” document but hasn’t seemed even to have examined it much, seeing as her assumptions about its contents are very different from what they are. I know I won’t ever find the “Michael’s Plan” document to be something to spend more time with, but I don’t find the people discussing it here to be on a “campaign” to recruit into a “cult”. It’s been all around an interesting conversation so far. Barbara has been forthright and upfront about the history of the document and very open to discussions and opinions and I’ve enjoyed hearing her perspective a lot though I don’t agree with her conclusions.

Bradly, very much have enjoyed your posts!
BonitaParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 3:06 PM

tas wrote:

Well, that seems a bit harsh and too far.

Perhaps, but I think aggressive, in-your-face demands directed at specific individuals to make a written oath to being “followers of Jesus” is cult-like behavior. Cults tend to be excessively zealous and regard their ideology to be the truth and the law. Cults usually claim some special mission to save humanity and are preoccupied with bringing in new members willing to conform to a system of group-think.

Personally, I’m very put off by this tactic of demanding people to profess publicly their loyalty to “following Jesus,” browbeating people into accepting one person’s line of reasoning. That is a bit harsh and way too far in my opinion. Way, way too far.
TUBParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 3:24 PM
“Man is not lost in the theological sense”. Jesus succeeded as a spiritual uplifter 2000 years ago. What people need is a better idea of God…

If all you do is love other people, you are doing all you need to do. You don’t need to do more than that. That IS living the 4th epochal revelation. Its unselfish loving ministry to your fellow brothers and sisters while dwelling in the kingdom. That is it. You don’t need the words of the revelation to do that either. You will change the world with your love if it is spiritual love. We also can’t answer questions that people are not asking. If someone is not asking us about the kingdom or about spiritual matters we don’t answer their questions. That is self-asserting our will on to them. They have to choose it. They have to recognize a higher reality in us and seek us out and ask us about it. That’s the only way we can answer their questions. They have to choose to ask. If in the context of a personal relationship someone is ready for something more than by all means we should be there for them.

If we are living the truths of the 4th and the 5th epochal revelation we will enjoy a “peace that passes all understanding”. People will recognize that and be drawn to you naturally. You won’t have to go out of your way, people will ask you “how are you doing that”?

^(1098.3) ^100:4.6 You cannot truly love your fellows by a mere act of the will. Love is only born of thoroughgoing understanding of your neighbor’s motives and sentiments. It is not so important to love all men today as it is that each day you learn to love one more human being. If each day or each week you achieve an understanding of one more of your fellows, and if this is the limit of your ability, then you are certainly socializing and truly spiritualizing your personality. Love is infectious, and when human devotion is intelligent and wise, love is more catching than hate. But only genuine and unselfish love is truly contagious. If each mortal could only become a focus of dynamic affection, this benign virus of love would soon pervade the sentimental emotion-stream of humanity to such an extent that all civilization would be encompassed by love, and that would be the realization of the brotherhood of man.
BonitaParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 4:42 PM
Well said Scott and I concur.

But I’m not done spilling my guts on this topic and I’m sorry if some people think that what I’m about to say is harsh. The slightest whiff of a cult brings out my inner Klingon. Nothing will stand in my way of preventing zealotry from hijacking this Revelation. To hold a knife to people’s throats and demand they pledge allegiance to the Michael Plan Cult is too Islamic for my tastes. Militant confrontations with forum members, demanding answers to questions is not at all Michael-like. And so far, nothing I’ve read or heard about the Michael Plan Cult resonates with my inner Michael. I’m not a member of the UAI, but if I were, I would make a motion to have it removed from the archives.

I do admire Barbara’s sincerity, graciousness and willingness to answer questions, but I will not, and cannot, tolerate fanatic zealotry from other members of the Michael Plan Cult.

You’ll all be glad to hear that I’m done with this topic. I’ve seen all I want to see. I’m taking my stockpile of popcorn back to the store and turning the channel. I’m not really interested in how this movie turns out, mostly because I don’t think it has a chance. It’s too evil and by evil I mean imperfect. Tell the producers to shelve it and hire a new screenwriter. Giving it a final thumbs down.
BradlyParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 5:50 PM
Bonita says: ” And so far, nothing I’ve read or heard about the Michael Plan Cult resonates with my inner Michael. I’m not a member of the UAI, but if I were, I would make a motion to have it removed from the archives.”

As I said before – the disclaimer is clear that links are not an endorsement. But I will bring the matter to the committee and agree, perhaps we should await a review of the updated and revised edition before having it available for view – hopefully retitled – especially since the authors did not intend a public viewing to begin with and their true audience are the organizations themselves and not the general public. I’m no fan though of censorship….but a discussion on the matter is in order. Not my decision. Peace.

"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."
barbaranewsomParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 6:17 PM
Dear friends,

As a new participant in UAI forums or any other reader- sponsored public forums for that matter, I would like to share that some posts on this forum have been of the nature where in my other electronic communication experiences, personal and professional, I would have engaged in private email, picked up the phone, or met in person. Even so, I would like to continue in the forum, if for no other reason than to express my thoughts as a UAI member about the forum discussion format. I will read through a few other forums, too, so this may take me some time.

Having thought and prayed about the series of posts so far, I feel it is important for me to say again that the document “Michael Plan” is presented by readers acting as individuals, and in no way represents any group, nor makes any proposals to any groups, only to individuals who are interested in exploring the content of the document. I am the only co-author or signer who has participated thus far in this forum. If others were to join, each would be speaking as individuals, just as I have.

I wish each of you the best in your truth-seeking.

Peace and love,

Barbara
eliseParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 6:34 PM
Dear Bonita, where is your anger coming from? I asked a simple question: Do you consider yourself to be a follower of Jesus? Yet, you have characterized that question as:

1.   Getting in people’s faces and demanding they commit to one person’s definition of following Jesus;

2.   An aggressive, in-your-face demand directing people to make a written oath to being followers of Jesus;

3.   A tactic of demanding people to profess publicly their loyalty to following Jesus, browbeating people into accepting one person’s line of reasoning.

4.   Holding a knife to people’s throats and demand they pledge allegiance to the Michael Plan Cult

5.   Militant confrontation

6.   Fanatic zealotry

Really Bonita? Is that really what you read in my question? Why does that simple question evoke your inner Klingon. Didn’t you say Jesus is in you somewhere? And of course, your TA, right? What a trinity!! How do they all get along? Sounds odd. Actually, it makes me think of the 195:9.6

“Primitive man lived a life of superstitious bondage to religious fear. Modern, civilized men dread the thought of falling under the dominance of strong religious convictions. Thinking man has always feared to be held by a religion. When a strong and moving religion threatens to dominate him, he invariably tries to rationalize, traditionalize, and institutionalize it, thereby hoping to gain control of it. By such procedure, even a revealed religion becomes man-made and man-dominated. Modern men and women of intelligence evade the religion of Jesus because of their fears of what it will do to them — and with them. And all such fears are well founded. The religion of Jesus does, indeed, dominate and transform its believers, demanding that men dedicate their lives to seeking for a knowledge of the will of the Father in heaven and requiring that the energies of living be consecrated to the unselfish service of the brotherhood of man.”

So in a certain way you are correct that being a follower of Jesus comes with it a demand to not only believe, but to act on that belief in unselfish service to the brotherhood of man. That, my dear sister, is a ministry whether we like it or not.

Now, perhaps you won’t see this response, Bonita. But maybe curiosity will bring you back soon and this will give you some food for thought.

Elise
TUBParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 6:49 PM
Just thinking practically about what would actually happen if we started going to people and giving them quotes from the 4th epochal revelation we would come off as preaching to them, they would reject us. They would quickly figure out where those lines came from with a quick internet search and the cat would be out of the bag. Its not practical to go out in public and start acting like this. Someone has to ask us about our spirituality and our religious life in order for there to be a connection. Only in the context of a personal friendship can we even make these connections. Even with friends there won’t be a curiosity on their part if we are not actually living this higher form of unselfish love. Unless people around us choose to ask the question we can’t answer the question. Jesus invoked questions in peoples minds because he was God and Man, that curiosity gave him an “in” with everyone around him. The people around him saw a peace that passed all understanding and that made them curious. But we shouldn’t pattern our life’s work after Jesus because he was God and man. Its impossible to do what he did, we are not Creator Sons.
eliseParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 7:21 PM
To TUB,

Yet isn’t that exactly what Jesus said? We would do what he did and even greater things. Either he meant that or he was giving us false hope. I think he meant it. And don’t we also have the divine fragment, the divine spirit indwelling us? We, too, have an “in.”

Really, how would people even know to ask you about your beliefs if you never talk about them? Just because a person lives a loving life does not in and of itself evoke questions about your religious or spiritual beliefs. And what is wrong with telling other people about what you believe? Isn’t that exactly what Jesus told the 12 and the 70 and all his followers to do – to preach the gospel to the whole world? And if people attach the wise sayings of the UB to the UB, is that really fatal? It only gives you an even greater opportunity to teach. What a novel idea! Instead of reading the book with people who already accept it, why not teach people who don’t know anything about the UB? Doesn’t that sound like a good idea?

That’s why a Plan, perhaps with many of the features of the so-called “Michael’s Plan,” could be very useful. It could include ideas on how to not just read the book with friends, but to introduce and teach the book to strangers. And a fellowship of like-minded UB readers could be a strong support group that could embolden each other and strengthen each other to take the leap of faith and … dare I say it … PREACH!!!!! Ah the fear of rejection! Mortal man is such a fearful group!

Elise
eliseParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 7:23 PM
To Tas,

I have read every document posted with the so-called “Michael’s Plan” and I can see some value in it, though I also see a need for revisions. That’s why I started this thread, to get a conversation started about it. I see it as a good first effort. I don’t think the authors of the Plan intended for it to be a final expression, but only the beginning of a conversation. Some of the points that have been offered in this thread are well taken and the authors of the Plan would do well to consider these matters in their next revision. But isn’t there some commendation that can be given to those who are trying to make an effort to advance the teachings of the UB?

Just because past efforts have not been successful is no reason to give up trying new and diverse ideas. No need to throw the baby out with the bath water. A seed must be planted. Spirit agitation must occur in order to create motion. But with a spirit of love, tolerance and patience for one another who we KNOW are our brothers in Christ.

Clearly, the UB encourages the development of one brotherhood, the Jesus brotherhood. Therefore it militates that there must be some type of unity, albeit unity without uniformity. This is a process of trial and error. But no need to extinguish the light and bulldoze the plan. So the title needs to be changed. That’s minor. So there’s a person who supports that plan who had made some egregious errors in the past. So what. It is the content that matters. I hope Barbara and her co-authors continue trying to develop something that serves to unify the fragmented UB communities. It is needed if the Revelation is going to get real traction worldwide.

Elise
AnonymousInactive
Jul 29, 2014, 7:31 PM

Bonita wrote:

If the Michael Planners are looking for new world leaders, then have them look at themselves. I get the feeling that there is a campaign going on here to recruit new converts to the cult.

This is truly fascinating, Bonita, you where the first person to bring up, and associate this “Michael Plan” and assign the word “cult” to it. Then it appears as if you played into your own words to assume that this is now a “Michael Plan Cult”, where it is fascinating how individuals make assumptions before even asking questions if this could be considered a cult plan to begin with?

Who said anything regarding “cult” other than Bonita, or did I miss something in translation here? Just because someone asks a question as to whether they believe in the wording or presentation of a specific UB phrase or paragraph, and they give their honest opinion as an answer does not constitute a profession of faith or a swearing of an oath or making a creed of profession. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion, although it would seem to be based on a misunderstanding.

It would also seem that if one was not sure of another’s intent or statement, it would be appropriate to ask for a more defined definition? Although it would seem that every reader of the UB has a way of interpreting the UB in their own way, which is as it should be, however it is my understanding that this forum can be used to get a better understanding as to other readers understanding of the text, albeit that this discussion is related to the UB in that we are discussing a document which is associated to the UB. Fascinating to be sure.
eliseParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 7:33 PM
And two final points:

It is unbelievable to me that a discussion about the contents of the so-called “Michael’s Plan” has now been characterized as a cult in the minds of some. Isn’t it possible to discuss something or support an idea about something without being labeled a cult? What is it about Jesus and Part IV of the UB or the well-intentioned effort of others to spread the message of Part IV that evokes so much animosity among UB readers? A very, very sad day indeed!

And yes, Part IV of the UB was written by Midwayers, not Michael. But that does not minimize its relevance, accuracy or importance in the least. The Midwayers involved in the Fifth Revelation were commissioned and authorized to contribute their portion. In most instances, they were giving their first hand eyewitness accounts. And remember, the Midwayers work at the direction and pleasure of Michael who is an able delegator. Midwayers are no doubt monitoring these websites and making what is written here available for reflectivity transmissions through Seraphic and other celestial beings throughout the universe. Nothing is ever lost. So I wonder how our universal family are receiving this thread.

Elise
BradlyParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 7:51 PM
Truly the movement has great traction and clear acceleration. The movement has not failed to move forward. The mistakes of the past have helped much in the experience of leaders and members of those organizations previously mentioned. Progress is quite evident to all with the eyes to see. Today, there are well over a thousand study groups and over a dozen translations of the Revelation. Thousands of individuals still have their shoulder to the wheel and work tirelessly, and for free, as servants to the movement, the Revelation, and the dissemination of truth, beauty, and goodness….and that’s just in the Urantia movement itself. Which is hardly the only vehicle for the Most Highs and angels. The Spirit of Truth is working, still, to catch the ear and move the heart of every single mind on the planet. Shall we discuss this progress, which led to the gift of another Epochal Revelation, or the progress made in its dissemination the past 60 years? Do any doubt the certain and inevitable conclusion to this progress? Certainly there is more to do…more than those willing, so far, to do it. If any seek an opportunity to serve through the Association, just raise your hand. Lots of very interesting and important work for all volunteers is available….no problem. But I would honor those who built this road we move along upon today and recognize those thousands who disseminate the Revelation today already….some as organization members and many more on their own, day by day, as they pass by.

Scott – agree. We cannot create the yearning, the hunger, and the thirst. We can only live the truth, shine the light of love wherever we are and go, and respond to all intersections of service opportunity. We are told that the fruits of the spirit act like a magnet. No need for pulpit and loud voices to help, in our way, the angels and spirits of truth and progress. Your light shines here and many places….and I have no doubt, in your daily walk. None here need to be told what’s what about the gospel of Jesus or the cosmic facts and truths given us in the FER. We must first learn, and then teach, and walk the walk or the way of spirit progress. Perfecting, not perfection is the goal of mortals upon their planets of birth. Who’s to judge another? Who’s to question any other’s love for the Master or God? Who indeed.

Barbara – you have been most gracious and patient and I look forward to your voice on this and many other topics to come. I also feel that the organizations and the readership be united in goal and purpose if not in projects and missions. This will require vision and dialogue and a patient process to manage the human condition that is inherent in us creatures of duality in our confusions and errors. I applaud your efforts to consider how to help in that worthy goal of unification without uniformity. I hope your group has received feedback that you find useful and worthy of consideration. But all sincere effort to advance cooperation, understanding, respect, and love are always worthy….even if the results are not what we hoped. Thanks for attending us here. Peace.

"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."
TUBParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 8:17 PM
Elise if we preach the words of a secondary midwayer to people they will tune us out. It’s not practical. When has preaching TUB to strangers ever worked out for anyone? Nobody wants to be preached to. They want to be loved and understood. Forcing TUB on someone is self-assertive. I sense that the plan is, is that if we get enough people to yell the same thing loud enough at people they may listen. Thats like using TUB as a hammer to hit people over the head with. It’s not jesusosian at all. It’s self-assertion. We shouldn’t use TUB as a hammer to hit people over the head with :).

There is no reason to try and match a Creator Son. That is IMO a self righteous attitude. A Creator Son is God. Maybe Jesus as a 9 year old is something we can aspire to, but an adult Jesus is beyond anything anyone has ever seen.
1-2-3Member
Jul 29, 2014, 9:08 PM
A religious, humanized and social organization grew out of the activities of Paul and his successors based on Jesus’ teachings and as modified by others. Paul was a great organizer and writer of letters. Several centuries later some of his letters and other written materials were selected as gospel and were assembled together for an elite few who had access to the opus, and it became known as the word of God, as it is known today. Can Urantia Book students throw away Micheal’s baby with the bath water? I do not, nor does the book, dismiss the truths of the 4th Epochal.

It is ironic to me a text was created so many centuries ago, now, embedded the hearts and minds of millions and in the cultures and traditions of so many. And many, many have found Jesus’ saving message therein or thereby through the oration of persons on the subject of faith and mercy, among other subjects: the orations of self-proclaimed preachers, or, the orations of theologians – scholared, vetted, graduates of special schools of the study of one or more of the religions of the world. Getting saved happens other ways via the 4th too, through the Spirit of Truth and God knows how else, even as we speak about “a” plan named after our Creator Son.

The good news is that Jesus lives in the hearts and minds of anyone who would have him in to sup. He does not exhort us to agree about “plans,” procedures, organizations or patterns. These constitute the social brotherhood not the spiritual brotherhood. The spiritual brotherhood has no bounds, no borders, no doctrines. But organizations have a right to establish their missions statements and other organizational aspects. They have the responsibility to say who they are, and by implication, not who they are, as for example, UAI informed me about its policy regarding channeling when I signed up a bit ago.

On this thread I appreciate your comments in general. I especially like the courtesy and good humor, but I also like the thoughtfulness of responses. I’m a longtime reader who came on the scene after the Vern Grimsley thing, but before the loss of the copyright and I support the Foundation and UAI, because I agree with the organizational principles of UAI and I support the work of the Foundation. I am glad I did not experience the demise of the Urantia Brotherhood, though as I understand it the dba of UAI is the Urantia Brotherhood Association. Correct me if I am wrong.

The Gideon people put free editions of their bible here, there and everywhere. Others go out two by two and knock on doors to get their version of the bible or their own bible-like book out to the public – all in an effort to share God as they understand him with others. The Urantia Book is finding its way into the hands and hearts of people, and I suspect many of our unseen friends are doing their part to bring the book to people and to bring people to the book. After that, its is up to the individual what to do as regards finding out about the social brotherhoods – this, that or some other organization focused on the book. Or not. In my mind whatever else has been, is, or will be written about the book – its “plans”, procedures, organizations and patterns – are evolutionary and relative to the time frame in which they are created, as well as the intellectual attainments of the individuals involved.

I am somewhat interested in the contact commission stuff, but not really. The past is unchangeable. Humpty dumpty had a tumble. I do not envision a melding of the two main social and organizational branches of the onetime Urantia Brotherhood. I think that is what the thesis of the so-called Michael plan is about. It is an audacious title.

Unity without uniformity. Spiritual unity, that is.
BradlyParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 9:23 PM
Greetings and welcome 1-2-3…..well said. I look forward to your voice here too. Interesting about how the Revelation tends to “find” students. There’s an old saying – “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Any who thirst and seek, will find, within and without. A glorious truth. Thanks.

"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."
BradlyParticipant
Jul 29, 2014, 9:48 PM

(549.2) 48:4.15 When we are tempted to magnify our self-importance, if we stop to contemplate the infinity of the greatness and grandeur of our Makers, our own self-glorification becomes sublimely ridiculous, even verging on the humorous. One of the functions of humor is to help all of us take ourselves less seriously. Humor is the divine antidote for exaltation of ego.

(549.3) 48:4.16 The need for the relaxation and diversion of humor is greatest in those orders of ascendant beings who are subjected to sustained stress in their upward struggles. The two extremes of life have little need for humorous diversions. Primitive men have no capacity therefor, and beings of Paradise perfection have no need thereof. The hosts of Havona are naturally a joyous and exhilarating assemblage of supremely happy personalities. On Paradise the quality of worship obviates the necessity for reversion activities. But among those who start their careers far below the goal of Paradise perfection, there is a large place for the ministry of the reversion directors.

(549.4) 48:4.17 The higher the mortal species, the greater the stress and the greater the capacity for humor as well as the necessity for it. In the spirit world the opposite is true: The higher we ascend, the less the need for the diversions of reversion experiences. But proceeding down the scale of spirit life from Paradise to the seraphic hosts, there is an increasing need for the mission of mirth and the ministry of merriment. Those beings who most need the refreshment of periodic reversion to the intellectual status of previous experiences are the higher types of the human species, the morontians, angels, and the Material Sons, together with all similar types of personality.

(549.5) 48:4.18 Humor should function as an automatic safety valve to prevent the building up of excessive pressures due to the monotony of sustained and serious self-contemplation in association with the intense struggle for developmental progress and noble achievement. Humor also functions to lessen the shock of the unexpected impact of fact or of truth, rigid unyielding fact and flexible ever-living truth. The mortal personality, never sure as to which will next be encountered, through humor swiftly grasps — sees the point and achieves insight — the unexpected nature of the situation be it fact or be it truth.

1-2-3 wrote:

I especially like the courtesy and good humor, but I also like the thoughtfulness of responses.

(1950.3) 180:5.8 But the highest realization and the truest interpretation of the golden rule consists in the consciousness of the spirit of the truth of the enduring and living reality of such a divine declaration. The true cosmic meaning of this rule of universal relationship is revealed only in its spiritual realization, in the interpretation of the law of conduct by the spirit of the Son to the spirit of the Father that indwells the soul of mortal man. And when such spirit-led mortals realize the true meaning of this golden rule, they are filled to overflowing with the assurance of citizenship in a friendly universe, and their ideals of spirit reality are satisfied only when they love their fellows as Jesus loved us all, and that is the reality of the realization of the love of God.

Life is but a day’s work….let us do it well….and whistle while we do so. Smiles all around!! A little reversion anyone?

"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."

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