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UNITY WAY

July 6, 2003

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Search for the Truth and Provision

By Andrei Yashurin

There are several passages in the Bible which indicate
that there is a direct connection between seeking the Truth
and provision. Again, they leads us to conclusion that search
the Truth is the most pragmatic thing for an individual.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness;
and all these things shall be added to you".
Matthew 6:33

"Seek first", said Jesus. This suggestion is meant to make
our priorities straight, not to exclude all else. The Master
never urged His followers to "seek only" the Kingdom, as
some people interpret it. There should be no guilt about
wanting more money, better health, satisfying employment,
deeper relationships, or any other good thing which supplies
our needs at some level.

Religious thinkers who teach that in order to find the Truth
(or, the Kingdom) we need to get out of this world, whether
physically, or mentally, or spiritually, do not see things
as Jesus saw them. For Him, the Kingdom of God and this world
were one. The Creator is actively present in all the creation.
There is nothing inherently evil about the universe. Why, then,
should we escape it?

As we search for the Truth, we establish harmonious relationships
with God and with God's world. We become conscious of its deepest
laws, and adjust ourselves to them. No more we live our
lives ignorantly, stumbling and falling, learning things
by trials and errors. We walk in the light.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness".
What does it mean?

For many people, especially with Christian upbringing,
righteousness is a religious term, which involves adherence
to the "correct doctrine" about God, and following moral
standards, sanctioned by religion. And, of course, there
are different theological views on what righteousness is,
and how it could be obtained and maintained.

For me, things are more simple. Righteousness means thinking
and acting in the right (positive, creative, life-affirming)
way. I am not much interested in theories that make this
concept more complicated.

The Truth is not a collection of nice ideas of how Life works.
Rather, it is the signpost which shows us directions. It is
the call to all who have ears to hear: Think right! Live right!

Seeking for the Truth makes us active in our mind and in our
outer expressions. So many individuals see themselves not
as active, but as acted upon - that's why, perhaps, they
are so conscious of what "others" are doing. But as they start
the Search, they become more self-conscious (which is far
from unhealthy self-preoccupation). Such people allow others
to go their own ways, putting all of their energy in thinking
and doing what it right for them.

It is only by being fully ourselves, and by being fully attuned
to God we can influence our environment for good.

Let us look at another similar passage from the Old Testament:

"The young lions lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek
the Lord (and His Truth) shall not lack any good thing".
Psalm 34:10

Symbolically, "young lions" are our mental tendencies to rely
on "strength" - whether it is our age, our physical power,
intellect, or something else. Certainly, it is good to be
strong in every possible way. But, unfortunately, "strength"
may lead some people to pride - to a notion that they may
control the course of their lives without aligning themselves
with divine principles.

In truth, it does not matter how powerful we are - if we
break universal laws, we will break ourselves against
those laws. If we choose to be self-willed and stubborn,
we will find ourselves living in a desolate place.

Could it be God's fault that some people experience lack?
No. The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom of abundance, and its
storehouse is open for all. We will be blessed and provided,
we will grow and prosper as long and as much as we seek for
the Truth of God.

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Andrei Yashurin: admin@unityway.net

http://unityway.net/zine

Positive Christianity E-zine

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All messages (c) 2003 by Andrei Yashurin
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