The knowledge of Truth makes us free. But what is the purpose of this freedom?

Some people seemingly don't want freedom. Their life philosophy is quite simple: "let us eat, and drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die". The freedom they believe in is the freedom of self-gratification. But even totalitarian governments and dogmatic religions often allow their people to gratify themselves, as long as they don't challenge the authorities and demonstrate outward submission. Is this the kind of freedom we want for ourselves? Is this the kind of freedom God wants for us?

I am not going to blame people who want to enjoy life. There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking. As we know, Jesus liked to eat and drink. He was a merry person, too. But it is clear that He had higher priorities. He was driven to express all the divine aspects of His being, and to bring forth greater understanding of Truth.

Spiritually enlightened persons should not put to shame those who live at the low level of self-expression. Their role is to offer new ideas, insights, and values, to remind that "man shall not live by bread alone". Dissatisfaction will bring to remembrance of those people the fact that it is possible to come up higher.

We often hear that "life is short, you've got to take all you can, for soon it will be too late". I don't agree with that. Life is endless. Life is eternal. I won't allow myself to be motivated by the fear of death or the fear of old age.

"What would you do if you would be offered an opportunity to live three hundred years in this body, and to be well and strong?" This question of Brad Jensen really made me think.

Some people would probably answer: "No, I don't want to live for so many years. What for? I would be tired and bored. How long would it be possible to eat and drink, and then eat and drink again?" But there is a way to life as long as we can, not being bored.

Personally, I came to following conclusions:

First, if I would be offered an opportunity to live 300 years, I would continue to make new discoveries. I would explore the world, finding new facts and new truths. I would expand my knowledge and wisdom. These are finest pleasures. It is impossible to be overfed with the newness of the world.

Second, I would continue to create something new. I would make something that never existed before - that which would have an unique touch of my personality.

When I realized that, the meaning of my life became clear to me. I live in order to know and to express.

When I look around, I find that the happiest people in the world are searchers and creators. And it has to do not so much with their occupation, but with their attitude.

Richest people aren't necessary the happiest ones. Money is good and necessary, but it doesn't make the one a searcher and a creator. And the good thing is, we can begin to search and to create without any money. All we need is our creative mind. Let us start it right now, and things will be added to us according to our need.

We should also realize that there is nothing selfish about self-expression. "We are so made that the greatest self-expression includes our relationship with others and our relationship with everything in life", wrote Ernest Holmes. It the process of making discoveries and unfolding of our talents we establish proper relationships with people and things. They include love, mutual respect, cooperation, and complementation. But the starting point is always within, not without.

We offer the best service to the world not when we deny ourselves, but when we express ourselves at the highest possible level.

(to be continued)