BODY & BLOOD OF JESUS
Communion ( as it is called ) is an "act" of faith in which two things take place: giving and receiving. Most love to receive the wine, bread, wafers or whatever they use and are satisfied that they have received the body and blood of the Lord. Standing alone, in and of itself this is not a bad thing. After all, Jesus gave us the first illustration of this spiritual substance. But as I have been laboring to show, there is a spiritual application. Jesus said, that his words are Spirit and life. - John 6:63. We must always remember to allow for "Spirit" and "life" concerning His words and illustrations! All life has dimension, it must grow from infancy to maturity. Jesus intends that we should grow beyond the illustrations.
If we will receive this understanding, it will provide an opportunity to take the illustration to it’s functional substance. Like following a shadow to the substance that created it. That substance is the word of God which is broken (when we come together) into small pieces and absorbed into our understanding. It is like the manna that came down from heaven to nourish the Israelites in the "wilderness." It is by individuals sharing what God has revealed that we place the word of God into each others understanding and our perception of the world and life itself is altered by that process. This sharing of the body and the blood of Jesus is open to the assembly for all who will to participate, as the Holy Spirit provides. To broaden this concept a little wider, also consider that study is a part of this scenario. How will we have anything to share if we do not meditate on the things of the Spirit and study the scriptures; this is a priestly mannerism and a trait of our royal family.
ENTERTAINERS!
Of itself, music and singing in a spiritual setting is not wrong. Nevertheless, we do not assemble to be entertained or to be entertainers. The focus in religious settings allows a high potential for ritualistic entertainment. We see this in most church services. However, worship does not equal service. Service is what you do to your car! The religious service validates the clergy. In the heart... worship affirms and strengthens all that pertains to holiness. Holiness is a separation from the unclean and in this context, it is a separation from the protocol of humanity. However, a great deal of the things that go on in everyday life, are neither right nor wrong, they simply exist as functions of living. But when the world tries to impose upon the holy, it is important fo us to know what is holy and what is not acceptable. This is a matter of balance; the understanding of which is a function of experience.
Gospel music ( in it’s full spectrum ) is an abomination! Entertainers should be ashamed of themselves for perfecting yet another way of making merchandise of Jesus! There is nothing wrong with being an entertainer in the natural environment but let us keep the mannerisms of the world in the world! The spirit of celebrity is upon gospel entertainers, as it is upon many of the clergy. This is not the spirit of holiness but a spirit of the world! They think that because this type of music inspires the religious and attracts new converts, it is doing the work of the Lord. But actually, they are filling the pews of the institutions with those who are attracted to the entertainment and religious hyperbole, glamor and glitz. This is shameful!
What I’m trying to communicate here is the great contrast between true worship and the dilemma that has become Christianity. Few Christians have a clue. If Christianity practiced true worship, it’s numbers would be lower by millions. Most people will not abide the plain brown paper bag of holiness. Why should they, when they can enjoy the super- deluxe, singing cheese burger at the "Holy Ritz?"
THE CURIOUS
This should not be taken lightly, there is wisdom here! Be careful who you bring to the assembly. These meetings are not traditional church gatherings, and should not be open to the general public. From years of experience, I can say that we can avoid a great deal of trauma by using this guideline. The earth is crawling with spiritual weirdos, Bible know-it-alls and curious religious explorers. These people are either a waste of time or packaged damage waiting to explode. Let the curious meet an elder or elders before they are encouraged to attend. This is a subtle interview so do not make a big deal out of it. Never just show up with a curious person in tow!
THE NATURE OF MEN & WOMEN
In a spiritual setting we must be conscious of the fact that human instinct... is human instinct. If a human being is healthy, he or she will also be sexually sensitive. This does not necessarily mean that we are all lusting for one another. But why present the temptation? This sensitivity is God’s creation and there is no magic switch to turn it off. Of course, God expects us to control ourselves. For that reason, we must be considerate of how we dress when we come together for spiritual matters with mixed company. Especially, for the sake of the unmarried. There is no need to go overboard with this; just cover it up and don’t show it off! We are focusing on spiritual things and the Lord should not have to compete with our sexuality for attention. Nevertheless, we should exercise balance on this and not turn it into petty righteousness by going to extremes with our wardrobe.
THE OLD GUARD
Sometimes those who were leaders in the old religious order try to assume the leadership role immediately after leaving the old establishment. Far too many seem to think that a few minor changes is all that will be necessary; they do not realize that they have a great deal of religious baggage yet to be thrown away. This practice can turn into a serious train wreck, with both serious and subtle spiritual consequences for those following. Sadly, this happens all too easily.
The Holy Ghost does teach and lead us. But first things first! If the religious orientation is not purged completely, there will always be a hose leading back to a religious pool and the fearless leader will be sucking on that hose for inspiration and guidance. That inspiration and guidance will overshadow what the Holy Ghost will be trying to reveal and the end results will be negative in the eyes of the Lord. This is why it is wise to be served for a season by an experienced and proven wilderness survivor. We do not go from Egypt to the promised land in one swoop. That’s why I call this wilderness survival! Also, a season... is a season: it does not make any elder a Pope overlord for the rest of your life. True spiritual growth moves towards a parity of sorts but not a democracy! We do not belong to ourselves but to the Lord.
The spiritual wilderness is a totally different environment. Therefore, wisdom says, act like city people who find themselves in the jungle. Follow the guide that God has provided for this season and be careful not to be belligerent in this unfamiliar landscape. Do not be anxious to start doing things! In fact, don’t do anything for a season. Just pay attention! This will give you time to go to war with your old, religious self. Will you lean upon that which is no longer relevant or will you throw it down and follow the Holy Ghost in freedom? The old knowledge and it’s alignment is dangerous and will bring elements of bondage into places that it does not belong. Martin Luther is a good example. He made his exodus from the corrupt Roman establishment but brought with him religious baggage that eventually seduced him and his followers back into the same bondage. Let us not make the same mistake!
While I’m thinking about it, quite a few churches are establishing "home ministries" in order to quench the need for dissatisfied members to look elsewhere. It’s a deception and a snare. Don’t be fooled by those who have ties connecting them to traditional churches.
ENLIGHTENMENT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
The basic records of the New Testament are the foundation of the followers of Jesus. It is not rocket science. Nevertheless, it has been complicated because of human points of view. Humans have great difficulty seeing eye to eye. Doctrines are like opinions... ever faction has one. Differences in teaching follow letter and logic. That is, the letter of the Bible and the logic of religious minds. There are even conflicts among those who have made the exodus. However, some of the differences are due to differing maturity levels and in many cases the residual influence of religious baggage. It is good to study the scriptures but it is the Holy Ghost that gives the scriptures life, not the other way around! The letter with a religious spirit is deadly.
There is no learning institution teaching the working of the Holy Ghost; this must be obtained by wrestling with the Spirit, in the Spirit. Remember Jacob? There is no other way! Jesus promised that the Holy Ghost would lead us into all truth. Nevertheless, understanding does not just fall out of the sky. We have to seek it out. It is by focusing the understanding on spiritual things that we will be able to move towards a mature balance concerning the things of God. Walk with those who walk in the Spirit of freedom outside of the walls of the religious city and in due season all will fall into place. Those who are coming into spiritual focus will be changing and in the process, throwing away religious traditions and useless carnal notions. Growth causes change, no one grows without it. If nothing has changed... no one has grown. Those who do not grow spiritually are not following the Spirit. To mature, we must be willing to become different than we have been!
The contemplation of change is often a fearful thought. IT IS NORMAL to be uncomfortable with the unknown. Press forward but do not be afraid of the metamorphosis of maturity; this is the will of the Lord for those who will CHOOSE faith and not fear.
CHRISTIAN PHARISEES
Don’t make a public show of holiness. Prayer and spiritual endeavors are not for public display! Jesus talked of praying in the closet and not on the street corner like the Pharisees. This goes for saying "blessings" at restaurants or in public places. The act of praying in public is religious theater and is not a testimony.
Even among ourselves, group prayer, in those "hand holding circles," often gets out of balance. This happens when competition arises in the prayer circle for a more gracious sounding prayer than the last person praying. This is a bad balance. The success of group prayer is in the agreement, not in how loud, long or pious the words are. Matthew 18:19. And we certainly don’t have to "one up" one another to get results. It is much more important to pray in private than for other people to hear or see us pray.
MANNERISMS OF THE RELIGIOUS
We must not be like the religious! True worship is a blood and guts kind of faith: when it has been pure that’s what it has always been! Our mission is to maintain that purity, without all the normal religious comforts and conveniences of humanity in our assemblies. This may be inconvenient at times and at other times painful. This is not suffering for the sake of appearing holy but for the sake of depriving the oxygen (so to speak) that allows the religious flame to burn. To the religious we seem to be doing little of nothing but God is watching as we maintain this genuine kind of faith.
We have become great improvisors; we meet in houses, restaurants, parks, under bridges, in the woods, on the net, over the phone or with whatever other devices we can imagine to communicate or fellowship. We do this for the sake of simplicity and separation from religious endeavors and goals that have proven to be spiritually disastrous. Few will be beating the door down to participate in this reality; in the sight picture of the religious, the beauty that we focus on is totally invisible.
THE APPEAL OF THE RELIGIOUS WORLD
The religious world appeals to many through the natural senses. Things that inspire religious pride are ungodly but so are many other innocent appearing endeavors within the walls of religion. Pageantry takes away from the spiritual principle of faith; that is, the actions being on the inside (the heart) not the outside. We must, in these times, walk by faith not by sight. Our focus must be on the things of the Spirit, not eye candy. This starts with the beautiful buildings, lavishly furnished, the beautifully robed choir, the orchestra and finally, a real smooth pastor, who is preferably a Doctor Of Divinity. These things appeal to the natural senses and create a sense of religious euphoria and in many... religious pride. Traditional things do not appear evil but for the purpose they serve, they are evil. Sugar is not evil of itself but if it is poured into an automobiles gas tank, it ruins the engine! This is because the sugar is where it is not supposed to be; the institutional glitz, glitter and tradition is parallel to the sugar in the gas tank. The activity and beauty of godliness should be in the heart, unseen! If you can receive it, who we are and what we are is hidden in Christ; the heart is the hiding place. These dots do not connect in the understanding of the religious masses or anyone else for that matter. The religious do not see it and the damned do not care! This is precisely why Jesus said there would be few saved.
I do not say that all the religious people will all be cast into the lake of fire. Those religious people who are sincere but bound by the process of the institution, may be set free through the fire of judgement, sent to purify the believers. Unfortunately, even the sincere Christians are so hardwired into their religious state of mind that trial by fire is the only thing ordained to save some of them. They certainly can’t be reasoned with. If you do not believe that... try it. The fire is a metaphor for judgement poured upon the religious and their worldliness. A lot can be said about this but for now, if you are still in the bondage of religion, get out while you can or you will go through the fire with the rest of the religious. There is a lot to be said on this subject but rest assured that God intends to remove everything and everyone that offends from His house.
HAVE NO OTHER GODS!
Spiritual balance puts the worshiper in the proper frame of mind and all things surrounding us in their proper place. The Most High ("who is in heaven") must also be the most high in our hearts. Realize that this life and everything in it is totally temporary! All that we possess, including relationships with our spouses, children, parents, grand parents, friends and relatives will come to an empty end. If we will focus on this from time to time and let it sink in, it becomes a sobering agent. And this is absolutely what we need for shaping our attitude and awareness.
It is human nature to love the things that we can see and touch, like our spouses and our parents, children and loved ones. Do not love them more than the Lord. They have their TEMPORARY place in our lives but be careful not to put them above the Lord. This scenario usually comes about in doing the will of the loved one and not the Lord. In the long run this will not work for good but for evil. Nevertheless, love your loved ones more than yourself but with righteous balance. Do your duty towards them; die defending them, if you must! Our natural relationships will always have an end but our relationship with the Lord will continue forever. We all know this on some level but we must bring this to our everyday consciousness and with it will come a new focus and strengthening of resolve in the Lord. What’s on the outside is temporary... what’s on the inside is eternal. I have said these things simply to bring about some orientation in this fast moving and cluttered life of ours. All that we do in life is mostly vanity. Very little is spiritual. Spiritual things are the golden nuggets of our natural life. Those nuggets are the only things that we will carry with us when we move to the other side. Over time, everything else that we have done in our lives will be as if we were never here. Think about that.
These nuggets are the things we do from the inside out: our worship! Remember, that includes our spiritually balanced attitude, praying one for another, desire towards the Lord, spiritual endeavors by faith, etcetera. Never let the natural life and its relationships supercede our spiritual reality.
How many times have we heard that when we pass on, that grandma and grandpa and mom and dad and friends and relatives will all meat us at the pearly gates? That could be true on some level but they will not be who they were and neither will we be who we were nor will we relate with one another as we did in our natural lives. Our thinking must move to a higher level and once there, even if we cannot get our little minds completely around the reality of spiritual things, at least we will not have the traditional pictures flashing across our minds. Foor example: no, it’s not actual golden streets and mansions, we don’t sit around on clouds and play harps; even the pearly gates are representations. Those are metaphors describing spiritual things that are completely foreign to our world and must be spiritually discerned. They are illustrations of the spiritual, which, if not for these pictures we would be completely in the dark. For example: on the New Jerusalem, the gates are described as pearls. One of Jesus’ parables was about the Pearl Of Great Price. The New Jerusalem pearls are entrances to the city. In Jesus’ parable, the man sold all that he had and bought the a pearl because he realized it’s value. Getting rid of our religious valuables allows entrance to the city and within the city is all the wealth of the Lord. That’s just one level of understanding. The pearly gates and most everything else has many different levels of meaning.
At this point, we can see that the realm of the Spirit of God is endless. There is much elbow room to move around in and wonderful discoveries in the Lord to be realized. I pray that these words will be a help to whoever can receive them and that they will be blessed as they step on these stones and progress onward in the grace of our beloved.
By Jaytee Bee
Communion ( as it is called ) is an "act" of faith in which two things take place: giving and receiving. Most love to receive the wine, bread, wafers or whatever they use and are satisfied that they have received the body and blood of the Lord. Standing alone, in and of itself this is not a bad thing. After all, Jesus gave us the first illustration of this spiritual substance. But as I have been laboring to show, there is a spiritual application. Jesus said, that his words are Spirit and life. - John 6:63. We must always remember to allow for "Spirit" and "life" concerning His words and illustrations! All life has dimension, it must grow from infancy to maturity. Jesus intends that we should grow beyond the illustrations.
If we will receive this understanding, it will provide an opportunity to take the illustration to it’s functional substance. Like following a shadow to the substance that created it. That substance is the word of God which is broken (when we come together) into small pieces and absorbed into our understanding. It is like the manna that came down from heaven to nourish the Israelites in the "wilderness." It is by individuals sharing what God has revealed that we place the word of God into each others understanding and our perception of the world and life itself is altered by that process. This sharing of the body and the blood of Jesus is open to the assembly for all who will to participate, as the Holy Spirit provides. To broaden this concept a little wider, also consider that study is a part of this scenario. How will we have anything to share if we do not meditate on the things of the Spirit and study the scriptures; this is a priestly mannerism and a trait of our royal family.
ENTERTAINERS!
Of itself, music and singing in a spiritual setting is not wrong. Nevertheless, we do not assemble to be entertained or to be entertainers. The focus in religious settings allows a high potential for ritualistic entertainment. We see this in most church services. However, worship does not equal service. Service is what you do to your car! The religious service validates the clergy. In the heart... worship affirms and strengthens all that pertains to holiness. Holiness is a separation from the unclean and in this context, it is a separation from the protocol of humanity. However, a great deal of the things that go on in everyday life, are neither right nor wrong, they simply exist as functions of living. But when the world tries to impose upon the holy, it is important fo us to know what is holy and what is not acceptable. This is a matter of balance; the understanding of which is a function of experience.
Gospel music ( in it’s full spectrum ) is an abomination! Entertainers should be ashamed of themselves for perfecting yet another way of making merchandise of Jesus! There is nothing wrong with being an entertainer in the natural environment but let us keep the mannerisms of the world in the world! The spirit of celebrity is upon gospel entertainers, as it is upon many of the clergy. This is not the spirit of holiness but a spirit of the world! They think that because this type of music inspires the religious and attracts new converts, it is doing the work of the Lord. But actually, they are filling the pews of the institutions with those who are attracted to the entertainment and religious hyperbole, glamor and glitz. This is shameful!
What I’m trying to communicate here is the great contrast between true worship and the dilemma that has become Christianity. Few Christians have a clue. If Christianity practiced true worship, it’s numbers would be lower by millions. Most people will not abide the plain brown paper bag of holiness. Why should they, when they can enjoy the super- deluxe, singing cheese burger at the "Holy Ritz?"
THE CURIOUS
This should not be taken lightly, there is wisdom here! Be careful who you bring to the assembly. These meetings are not traditional church gatherings, and should not be open to the general public. From years of experience, I can say that we can avoid a great deal of trauma by using this guideline. The earth is crawling with spiritual weirdos, Bible know-it-alls and curious religious explorers. These people are either a waste of time or packaged damage waiting to explode. Let the curious meet an elder or elders before they are encouraged to attend. This is a subtle interview so do not make a big deal out of it. Never just show up with a curious person in tow!
THE NATURE OF MEN & WOMEN
In a spiritual setting we must be conscious of the fact that human instinct... is human instinct. If a human being is healthy, he or she will also be sexually sensitive. This does not necessarily mean that we are all lusting for one another. But why present the temptation? This sensitivity is God’s creation and there is no magic switch to turn it off. Of course, God expects us to control ourselves. For that reason, we must be considerate of how we dress when we come together for spiritual matters with mixed company. Especially, for the sake of the unmarried. There is no need to go overboard with this; just cover it up and don’t show it off! We are focusing on spiritual things and the Lord should not have to compete with our sexuality for attention. Nevertheless, we should exercise balance on this and not turn it into petty righteousness by going to extremes with our wardrobe.
THE OLD GUARD
Sometimes those who were leaders in the old religious order try to assume the leadership role immediately after leaving the old establishment. Far too many seem to think that a few minor changes is all that will be necessary; they do not realize that they have a great deal of religious baggage yet to be thrown away. This practice can turn into a serious train wreck, with both serious and subtle spiritual consequences for those following. Sadly, this happens all too easily.
The Holy Ghost does teach and lead us. But first things first! If the religious orientation is not purged completely, there will always be a hose leading back to a religious pool and the fearless leader will be sucking on that hose for inspiration and guidance. That inspiration and guidance will overshadow what the Holy Ghost will be trying to reveal and the end results will be negative in the eyes of the Lord. This is why it is wise to be served for a season by an experienced and proven wilderness survivor. We do not go from Egypt to the promised land in one swoop. That’s why I call this wilderness survival! Also, a season... is a season: it does not make any elder a Pope overlord for the rest of your life. True spiritual growth moves towards a parity of sorts but not a democracy! We do not belong to ourselves but to the Lord.
The spiritual wilderness is a totally different environment. Therefore, wisdom says, act like city people who find themselves in the jungle. Follow the guide that God has provided for this season and be careful not to be belligerent in this unfamiliar landscape. Do not be anxious to start doing things! In fact, don’t do anything for a season. Just pay attention! This will give you time to go to war with your old, religious self. Will you lean upon that which is no longer relevant or will you throw it down and follow the Holy Ghost in freedom? The old knowledge and it’s alignment is dangerous and will bring elements of bondage into places that it does not belong. Martin Luther is a good example. He made his exodus from the corrupt Roman establishment but brought with him religious baggage that eventually seduced him and his followers back into the same bondage. Let us not make the same mistake!
While I’m thinking about it, quite a few churches are establishing "home ministries" in order to quench the need for dissatisfied members to look elsewhere. It’s a deception and a snare. Don’t be fooled by those who have ties connecting them to traditional churches.
ENLIGHTENMENT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
The basic records of the New Testament are the foundation of the followers of Jesus. It is not rocket science. Nevertheless, it has been complicated because of human points of view. Humans have great difficulty seeing eye to eye. Doctrines are like opinions... ever faction has one. Differences in teaching follow letter and logic. That is, the letter of the Bible and the logic of religious minds. There are even conflicts among those who have made the exodus. However, some of the differences are due to differing maturity levels and in many cases the residual influence of religious baggage. It is good to study the scriptures but it is the Holy Ghost that gives the scriptures life, not the other way around! The letter with a religious spirit is deadly.
There is no learning institution teaching the working of the Holy Ghost; this must be obtained by wrestling with the Spirit, in the Spirit. Remember Jacob? There is no other way! Jesus promised that the Holy Ghost would lead us into all truth. Nevertheless, understanding does not just fall out of the sky. We have to seek it out. It is by focusing the understanding on spiritual things that we will be able to move towards a mature balance concerning the things of God. Walk with those who walk in the Spirit of freedom outside of the walls of the religious city and in due season all will fall into place. Those who are coming into spiritual focus will be changing and in the process, throwing away religious traditions and useless carnal notions. Growth causes change, no one grows without it. If nothing has changed... no one has grown. Those who do not grow spiritually are not following the Spirit. To mature, we must be willing to become different than we have been!
The contemplation of change is often a fearful thought. IT IS NORMAL to be uncomfortable with the unknown. Press forward but do not be afraid of the metamorphosis of maturity; this is the will of the Lord for those who will CHOOSE faith and not fear.
CHRISTIAN PHARISEES
Don’t make a public show of holiness. Prayer and spiritual endeavors are not for public display! Jesus talked of praying in the closet and not on the street corner like the Pharisees. This goes for saying "blessings" at restaurants or in public places. The act of praying in public is religious theater and is not a testimony.
Even among ourselves, group prayer, in those "hand holding circles," often gets out of balance. This happens when competition arises in the prayer circle for a more gracious sounding prayer than the last person praying. This is a bad balance. The success of group prayer is in the agreement, not in how loud, long or pious the words are. Matthew 18:19. And we certainly don’t have to "one up" one another to get results. It is much more important to pray in private than for other people to hear or see us pray.
MANNERISMS OF THE RELIGIOUS
We must not be like the religious! True worship is a blood and guts kind of faith: when it has been pure that’s what it has always been! Our mission is to maintain that purity, without all the normal religious comforts and conveniences of humanity in our assemblies. This may be inconvenient at times and at other times painful. This is not suffering for the sake of appearing holy but for the sake of depriving the oxygen (so to speak) that allows the religious flame to burn. To the religious we seem to be doing little of nothing but God is watching as we maintain this genuine kind of faith.
We have become great improvisors; we meet in houses, restaurants, parks, under bridges, in the woods, on the net, over the phone or with whatever other devices we can imagine to communicate or fellowship. We do this for the sake of simplicity and separation from religious endeavors and goals that have proven to be spiritually disastrous. Few will be beating the door down to participate in this reality; in the sight picture of the religious, the beauty that we focus on is totally invisible.
THE APPEAL OF THE RELIGIOUS WORLD
The religious world appeals to many through the natural senses. Things that inspire religious pride are ungodly but so are many other innocent appearing endeavors within the walls of religion. Pageantry takes away from the spiritual principle of faith; that is, the actions being on the inside (the heart) not the outside. We must, in these times, walk by faith not by sight. Our focus must be on the things of the Spirit, not eye candy. This starts with the beautiful buildings, lavishly furnished, the beautifully robed choir, the orchestra and finally, a real smooth pastor, who is preferably a Doctor Of Divinity. These things appeal to the natural senses and create a sense of religious euphoria and in many... religious pride. Traditional things do not appear evil but for the purpose they serve, they are evil. Sugar is not evil of itself but if it is poured into an automobiles gas tank, it ruins the engine! This is because the sugar is where it is not supposed to be; the institutional glitz, glitter and tradition is parallel to the sugar in the gas tank. The activity and beauty of godliness should be in the heart, unseen! If you can receive it, who we are and what we are is hidden in Christ; the heart is the hiding place. These dots do not connect in the understanding of the religious masses or anyone else for that matter. The religious do not see it and the damned do not care! This is precisely why Jesus said there would be few saved.
I do not say that all the religious people will all be cast into the lake of fire. Those religious people who are sincere but bound by the process of the institution, may be set free through the fire of judgement, sent to purify the believers. Unfortunately, even the sincere Christians are so hardwired into their religious state of mind that trial by fire is the only thing ordained to save some of them. They certainly can’t be reasoned with. If you do not believe that... try it. The fire is a metaphor for judgement poured upon the religious and their worldliness. A lot can be said about this but for now, if you are still in the bondage of religion, get out while you can or you will go through the fire with the rest of the religious. There is a lot to be said on this subject but rest assured that God intends to remove everything and everyone that offends from His house.
HAVE NO OTHER GODS!
Spiritual balance puts the worshiper in the proper frame of mind and all things surrounding us in their proper place. The Most High ("who is in heaven") must also be the most high in our hearts. Realize that this life and everything in it is totally temporary! All that we possess, including relationships with our spouses, children, parents, grand parents, friends and relatives will come to an empty end. If we will focus on this from time to time and let it sink in, it becomes a sobering agent. And this is absolutely what we need for shaping our attitude and awareness.
It is human nature to love the things that we can see and touch, like our spouses and our parents, children and loved ones. Do not love them more than the Lord. They have their TEMPORARY place in our lives but be careful not to put them above the Lord. This scenario usually comes about in doing the will of the loved one and not the Lord. In the long run this will not work for good but for evil. Nevertheless, love your loved ones more than yourself but with righteous balance. Do your duty towards them; die defending them, if you must! Our natural relationships will always have an end but our relationship with the Lord will continue forever. We all know this on some level but we must bring this to our everyday consciousness and with it will come a new focus and strengthening of resolve in the Lord. What’s on the outside is temporary... what’s on the inside is eternal. I have said these things simply to bring about some orientation in this fast moving and cluttered life of ours. All that we do in life is mostly vanity. Very little is spiritual. Spiritual things are the golden nuggets of our natural life. Those nuggets are the only things that we will carry with us when we move to the other side. Over time, everything else that we have done in our lives will be as if we were never here. Think about that.
These nuggets are the things we do from the inside out: our worship! Remember, that includes our spiritually balanced attitude, praying one for another, desire towards the Lord, spiritual endeavors by faith, etcetera. Never let the natural life and its relationships supercede our spiritual reality.
How many times have we heard that when we pass on, that grandma and grandpa and mom and dad and friends and relatives will all meat us at the pearly gates? That could be true on some level but they will not be who they were and neither will we be who we were nor will we relate with one another as we did in our natural lives. Our thinking must move to a higher level and once there, even if we cannot get our little minds completely around the reality of spiritual things, at least we will not have the traditional pictures flashing across our minds. Foor example: no, it’s not actual golden streets and mansions, we don’t sit around on clouds and play harps; even the pearly gates are representations. Those are metaphors describing spiritual things that are completely foreign to our world and must be spiritually discerned. They are illustrations of the spiritual, which, if not for these pictures we would be completely in the dark. For example: on the New Jerusalem, the gates are described as pearls. One of Jesus’ parables was about the Pearl Of Great Price. The New Jerusalem pearls are entrances to the city. In Jesus’ parable, the man sold all that he had and bought the a pearl because he realized it’s value. Getting rid of our religious valuables allows entrance to the city and within the city is all the wealth of the Lord. That’s just one level of understanding. The pearly gates and most everything else has many different levels of meaning.
At this point, we can see that the realm of the Spirit of God is endless. There is much elbow room to move around in and wonderful discoveries in the Lord to be realized. I pray that these words will be a help to whoever can receive them and that they will be blessed as they step on these stones and progress onward in the grace of our beloved.
By Jaytee Bee
