Promises of mastery and freedom are being fulfilled in lives of spiritual seekers progressively. New levels of mastery come as we rise to new levels of understanding of the Truth. There is no such a thing as instant success, neither in physical nor in spiritual world.

For some people who lived in despair for a long time, it may look like they were instantaneously taken "out of darkness into the light", when in fact they saw only first glimpses of the Higher Reality. They often become overly excited about their new discoveries, failing to realize that a spiritual awareness should become a permanent state of their thinking.

Truth promises to each seeker much more than emotional uplifting. And even if we already experienced evident, tangible, measurable demonstrations of freedom and mastery, we may be confident that there is infinitely more for us.

The worst thing a person can do is to stop in his(her) growth, assuming that the process of discovering the Truth in his (her) life is finished.

I know many of those who hold on to the thought that "the Truth is simple", which unfortunately leads them to wrong conclusions. For them, it means that they have already arrived. There is nothing more to search, there is nothing extra to look for. They believe that now they can rest on their laurels, being "settled for life".

Indeed, the Truth is simple. But, at the same time, it is exceedingly complex.

Let us take, for example, an analogy of a seed. Seed is a tiny simple thing - and yet, it is a grand mystery of Life. Even a child can plant a seed and reap its harvest - but even the greatest scientist cannot claim to know all about how it works. The world where we live is multi-dimensional. The more we comprehend it, the more we become aware that there are new, not yet discovered depths of understanding waiting for us. But the things that we already know we can apply - and to do it successfully.

We all possess a measure of Truth, no matter how limited our understanding seems to be. Truth is what we are made of, and there is no person who is total stranger to the Truth. Let us use the measure that was given to us boldly, trusting that there will be an increase. Let us live according to our best knowledge. And yet, let us avoid "know-it-all" attitude, even if it gives us certain level of emotional comfort. Such an attitude is the surest way to self-deception, and then, to stagnation and ultimate failure.

We won't be mislead as long as we remember that practical demonstration is the acid test of any theory. Paraphrasing Paul, we can say that the Truth is not in words, but in visible manifestations of divine power (1 Corinthians 4:20). Truth does not need defenders - it defends itself, as it becomes flesh in lives of those who accept it and follow it.

There are two possible approaches to discovering and applying the Truth.

First, we may start with analyzing of our needs. What are the burdens that we carry? What do we want to be free from? Is it an addiction? Is it a feeling of guilt and shame? Is it a seeming misfortune? Then, we should select specific affirmations that address our immediate needs, and use them over a period of time. In such a way, we will activate a process of transformation, which will eventually lead us beyond repeating of particular words. We will begin to think, speak, and act affirmatively. We will gain a new understanding of who we are, who God is, and how life unfolds.

Second, we may start working with particular statements we are attracted to. For instance, when we read a book of spiritual character, when we hear an inspirational speaker, or when we study the Bible, some phrases seem to penetrate deep within our heart. They ring true. They ignite within us zeal and enthusiasm. We find ourselves thinking about them again and again. When it happens, it is a sure sign that God draws us to explore certain spiritual laws deeper than we've done it before.

The most important thing to us is to make a decision: "I will love the Truth. I will study the Truth - and I will continue my studies as long as I live. I will joyfully accept my destiny in God - to be an ever-progressing, ever-evolving expression of divine Truth and divine Life".