29th Day of Lent – Seeking Truth for Ourselves

As we move into the 5th week of Lent, let us “fast” from traditional religious teachings and “feast” on developing our own discernment of Truth. If you find that statement frightening, you are not alone. For thousands of years, humanity has been taught to look to the authorities to learn what to think and do. “Thinking for ourselves” is very nearly a lost art. nnThe present economic collapse is an excellent example of how we have allowed “the authorities” to work their devious deeds without the supervision of “We the People.” We trusted the authorities … if they offered us houses we could not afford, we bought them anyway … if they provided credit cards, we gleefully accepted them, so we too could have a slice of the “American Dream.” It has taken nothing less than this economic crisis to awaken us to the need to think for ourselves … to discern truth for ourselves … to stand tall in our own God-power. nnHumanity has become enslaved to bowing to the authorities --- whether they be financial, educational, political, or most importantly, religious. This need to think for ourselves, to discern truth for ourselves, to stand tall in the power of God indwelling us is especially crucial when it comes to our spiritual journey. For it is within our spiritual journey that we awaken to our true identities as child gods. Until we recognize this fact, we are vulnerable to being manipulated, tricked, and used for purposes not of the Light. Darkness is often very hard to distinguish because its method is to take the good and convert it into an act of subtle darkness. Acts 8:9-24 provides a perfect example, both of Simon’s subtle darkness and Peter’s capacity to listen to God indwelling him and to discern the truth about Simon.nnRead and meditate upon this passage in Acts 8:9-24. Study carefully the character of Simon … “both the noblest and the least followed him.”nnList the methods Simon used to manipulate the people. They are the same methods used today to enslave us. This can be one of the most important lessons of your life, so take time with this passage. Stay with it until you feel comfortable with your ability to discern truth from non-truth.nnTake as your motto for the rest of your life Jesus’ statement: “If you abide by my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth and that very truth will make you free.” (John 8:32) nnWe cannot discern truth for ourselves without first comprehending how easily we can be misled. Thus, the importance of spending time with the lesson in Acts 8. We accomplish nothing when, out of fear, we refuse to search for truth on our own. To do so is to remain imprisoned in fear. nnOn this 29th Day of Lent, may we all embark on a spiritual journey that leads to resurrection into our own power to seek and find truth. AMEN & SO IT IS!