You are the light of the world. A city that us set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the grain-measure, but on a lampstand. And it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

There are times in our lives when it seems that we grope in darkness, not knowing where to go, what to do, and even who we are. But no matter how we may feel about ourselves, the truth spoken by Jesus remains unchangeable - we are the light. We've been called into the world to shine, to share our light with others.

"Good works" which are mentioned here are more just acts of human kindness toward others. Some people think that they live in agreement with these words if they treat others well, according to socially accepted standards. But the whole context of the Sermon of the Mount shows that Jesus challenged his listeners to go beyond natural goodness and kindness. "Good works" should come as the result of our spiritual realization. As we come to the knowledge of our divine identity, we start acting like God. Our uncommon acts of creative self-expression bless and enrich the world.

We cannot not to shine. If we withhold our light, with time it becomes obscure and nebulous. We cannot not to give. The great spiritual law, "give and it shall be given to you", applies to all areas of our life, including our awareness.

As we begin to express ourselves in new and creative ways, we go against the power of inertia, so we may face inner tension and struggle. Patterns of thoughts and actions which we developed over the years, prevent us from exploring different ways of thinking and living. But if we really want our lives to be renewed and refreshed, we will readily let them go. We won't allow our attachment to that which is good keep us from that which is great.

The one aspect of our "shining" is practical demonstration. We need to apply the spiritual principles we believe in, and to prove for ourselves and for others that they are workable. If a certain religion or philosophy cannot provide tangible results in people's lives, we have all the reasons to reject it as worthless.

The other aspect of our "shining" is teaching. We are called to share our understanding of truth with others. Teaching is not a job of professional ministers, coaches, and counselors. It is an integral part of our self-expression.

Why it is important to share our insights with others? Because it makes our mind focused and disciplined. When we give, more will be given to us. We will be guided to deeper understanding of ourselves and the world as we tell others what we already know.

One of the reasons why I publish this mailing list is because it brings more clarity to my thoughts as I write them down. I am the first who receives the benefit.

If I would write for the sake approval, perhaps I would quit soon - because I am often criticized, even in harsh ways. But it really doesn't matter - I already have my reward of increased awareness. And I know that even those who speak unpleasant words about my writings, stumbled across them for a reason. They need to know that there is an another perspective. There is an another way to think about God, about life, and about human beings. There may come a time when they'll need it.

I don't pretend to have all the answers. But I know that as my consciousness continues to give, it will continue to receive. I will ascend to greater realization of God and my own nature.

Many years ago I heard a saying, "if you have a need, plant a seed of what you need". If you need to know who you are better, begin to act on the knowledge you already have and to share it with others. This "seed", planted by you, will grow and become a mighty tree.