Changes

I leave you, then, with this [[thought]]: that the outworking of [[truth]] is ever and always reliant upon the [[faith]] of the [[individual]]. You have been offered many [[exercises]] that are conducive of faith [[growth]], [[spirit growth]], and truthful living. Avail yourselves of these [[exercises]], my children. And be [[assured]] that you are much loved, very much loved, and have many, many to [[assist]] you. That is the end of this lesson. (05/15/93)

I leave you, then, with this [[thought]]: that the outworking of [[truth]] is ever and always reliant upon the [[faith]] of the [[individual]]. You have been offered many [[exercises]] that are conducive of faith [[growth]], [[spirit growth]], and truthful living. Avail yourselves of these [[exercises]], my children. And be [[assured]] that you are much loved, very much loved, and have many, many to [[assist]] you. That is the end of this lesson. (05/15/93)

===='''''[[Truth]]'''''====

===='''''[[Truth]]''''', '''''[[Kindness]]''''', '''''[[Goodness]]'''''====

*Interaction of Truth, Goodness, and Kindness

*Interaction of Truth, Goodness, and Kindness

Today's lesson will be somewhat [[complex]], for we shall be joining the threads of [[three]] separate subjects [[together]], intertwining them. I shall be doing this increasingly in the remaining lessons, for my time with you [[grows]] short, regrettably. Today we shall [[discuss]] the [[interactions]] among [[truth]], [[goodness]], and [[kindness]], for this is an area which poses considerable [[difficulty]] for [[mortals]] of [[Isolated worlds|worlds that have been in rebellion]], such as [[Urantia]]. At the outset it may seem difficult to [[understand]] how there could be [[conflict]] among these three tenets of God's will, and yet if you [[explore]] your own [[memory]] record, you will certainly find numerous instances during which you have grappled mightily with what seem to be [[conflicting]] [[goals]] in terms of [[satisfying]] the requirements for [[goodness]], [[kindness]], and [[truth]], which your [[Adjuster]] leads you toward continuously.  

Today's lesson will be somewhat [[complex]], for we shall be joining the threads of [[three]] separate subjects [[together]], intertwining them. I shall be doing this increasingly in the remaining lessons, for my time with you [[grows]] short, regrettably. Today we shall [[discuss]] the [[interactions]] among [[truth]], [[goodness]], and [[kindness]], for this is an area which poses considerable [[difficulty]] for [[mortals]] of [[Isolated worlds|worlds that have been in rebellion]], such as [[Urantia]]. At the outset it may seem difficult to [[understand]] how there could be [[conflict]] among these three tenets of God's will, and yet if you [[explore]] your own [[memory]] record, you will certainly find numerous instances during which you have grappled mightily with what seem to be [[conflicting]] [[goals]] in terms of [[satisfying]] the requirements for [[goodness]], [[kindness]], and [[truth]], which your [[Adjuster]] leads you toward continuously.  

Kindness does not mean giving [[materially]]. This cannot be [[emphasized]] strongly enough. Material [[things]] have naught to do with God's will. They're [[animal]] [[entities]] no matter how finely crafted, securely held, or highly prized they may be. It is a mistaken [[belief]] to assume one is being [[kind]] in the [[bestowal]] of material objects upon another who is deemed unfortunate. You all know this, and yet it is a most [[difficult]] [[concept]] for mortal beings to grasp. Even for myself it is still an area that requires [[study]] and [[diligence]]. Kindness has far more to do with the [[maintenance]] of good will toward your fellows. [[Think]] on the life of [[Jesus]], ever [[kind]], ever loving, [[gentle]], peaceful of spirit, [[forgiving]], [[humble]], and yet He did not hand out [[money]]. He did not [[share]] [[wealth]] of material sort with others. Yet his [[kindness]] was much prized by all who [[received]], it as is yours, for the receipt of kindness by a [[mortal]] being [[resonates]] with the [[Thought Adjuster]] within the [[other]], and [[God]] in [[Paradise]] is aware that good has been done and [[responds]] positively.  

Kindness does not mean giving [[materially]]. This cannot be [[emphasized]] strongly enough. Material [[things]] have naught to do with God's will. They're [[animal]] [[entities]] no matter how finely crafted, securely held, or highly prized they may be. It is a mistaken [[belief]] to assume one is being [[kind]] in the [[bestowal]] of material objects upon another who is deemed unfortunate. You all know this, and yet it is a most [[difficult]] [[concept]] for mortal beings to grasp. Even for myself it is still an area that requires [[study]] and [[diligence]]. Kindness has far more to do with the [[maintenance]] of good will toward your fellows. [[Think]] on the life of [[Jesus]], ever [[kind]], ever loving, [[gentle]], peaceful of spirit, [[forgiving]], [[humble]], and yet He did not hand out [[money]]. He did not [[share]] [[wealth]] of material sort with others. Yet his [[kindness]] was much prized by all who [[received]], it as is yours, for the receipt of kindness by a [[mortal]] being [[resonates]] with the [[Thought Adjuster]] within the [[other]], and [[God]] in [[Paradise]] is aware that good has been done and [[responds]] positively.  

Does this mean that [[kind]] acts are wasted on those who lack [[Adjusters]]? This issue is much debated. Jesus was kind to all regardless of Adjuster presence. However, extending the hand of friendship and love toward one who has no God fragment within certainly can be a dangerous undertaking to the mortal being in the sense of life and limb. I would say at this point in your planet's development it may be wisest to refrain from kind acts toward the truly iniquitous among you, if you are discerning enough to detect them. Only you know if you have that perceptual level at this time. It is my sincere hope that as Urantia moves forward there will be far far fewer of the iniquitous dwelling among than is presently the case. But for now teach your children to be guarded, not fearful, but guarded. Goodness. Goodness, as was commented during our last session, is God-likeness.

Does this mean that [[kind]] acts are wasted on those who lack [[Adjusters]]? This issue is much [[debated]]. [[Jesus]] was kind to all regardless of [[Adjuster]] [[presence]]. However, extending the hand of [[friendship]] and [[love]] toward one who has no [[God fragment]] within certainly can be a [[dangerous]] undertaking to the [[mortal]] [[being]] in the sense of life and limb. I would say at this [[point]] in [[your planet]]'s [[development]] it may be [[wisest]] to refrain from kind acts toward the truly [[iniquitous]] among you, if you are [[discerning]] enough to detect them. Only you know if you have that perceptual level at this time. It is my [[sincere]] [[hope]] that as [[Urantia]] moves forward there will be far far fewer of the [[iniquitous]] dwelling among than is presently the case. But for now teach your [[children]] to be guarded, not [[fearful]], but guarded.  

What is the distinction between goodness and kindness? Goodness encompasses all that is like God, of the will of God, of the outworking of God. Kindness is a tenet of goodness. There is no goodness without kindness or truth, or vice versa. But goodness is more encompassing, includes not only the acts to others as does kindness, but also the acts of the individual, the inner mind workings and communications with the Adjuster, spirit strivings Godward, prayer, atonement. Jesus was the model of the good man. He was also kind and honest. He achieved that balanced and correct intermingling of goodness, kindness, and truth that is desirable for the Urantia mortal and indeed attainable, if you would strive mightily. I shall pause at this point in our lesson and receive questions and comments.

Goodness, as was commented during our last session, is God-likeness. What is the [[distinction]] between [[goodness]] and [[kindness]]? Goodness [[encompasses]] all that is like [[God]], of the will of God, of the outworking of God. [[Kindness]] is a [[tenet]] of [[goodness]]. There is no [[goodness]] without [[kindness]] or [[truth]], or vice versa. But goodness is more [[encompassing]], includes not only the [[acts]] to others as does [[kindness]], but also the acts of the [[individual]], the [[Inner Life|inner mind]] workings and [[communications]] with the [[Adjuster]], spirit strivings [[Godward]], [[prayer]], [[atonement]]. [[Jesus]] was the [[model]] of the [[good]] man. He was also [[kind]] and [[honest]]. He achieved that [[balanced]] and correct intermingling of [[goodness]], [[kindness]], and [[truth]] that is desirable for the [[Urantia]] [[mortal]] and indeed [[attainable]], if you would strive mightily. I shall pause at this [[point]] in our lesson and [[receive]] questions and comments.

S: I wonder if you might comment for a moment on the distinction, or the difference if there is one, between truth and fact.

S: I [[wonder]] if you might comment for a [[moment]] on the [[distinction]], or the [[difference]] if there is one, between [[truth]] and [[fact]].

R: Perhaps you could tell me what your understanding is.

R: Perhaps you could tell me what your [[understanding]] is.

S: My understanding is that truth is a spiritual concept and that fact is a physical concept. Honesty can apply to either one of those concepts

S: My understanding is that [[truth]] is a spiritual [[concept]] and that [[fact]] is a physical [[concept]]. [[Honesty]] can apply to either one of those concepts.

R: And what do you think is the difference between the physical and the spiritual? By physical do you mean material?

R: And what do you think is the difference between the physical and the spiritual? By physical do you mean material?

S: Yes, material. In other words, it is a fact that I walked up the hill.

S: Yes, material. In other [[words]], it is a [[fact]] that I walked up the hill.

R: It is also the truth.

R: It is also the [[truth]].

S: Yes, that is correct. Now, carrying this one step further, I remember when my children were growing up that they had a concept of "letting it all hang out", telling the whole truth even when they didn't need to. I think the example of Jesus was that He didn't tell people any more than they needed to know.

S: Yes, that is correct. Now, carrying this one step further, I [[remember]] when my [[children]] were growing up that they had a concept of "letting it all hang out", telling the whole [[truth]] even when they didn't need to. I [[think]] the example of [[Jesus]] was that He didn't tell people any more than they needed to know.

R: Because He balanced truthful utterances with kindness and goodness, but He was always aware of the full truth of any individual's complete existence. Can you imagine having that awareness yourself?

R: Because He [[balanced]] truthful utterances with [[kindness]] and [[goodness]], but He was always aware of the full [[truth]] of any [[individual]]'s complete [[existence]]. Can you imagine having that [[awareness]] yourself?

S: No, I can't imagine having it myself. But I still don't think that I should go down the street and say, "hey, you're ugly" when I see an ugly person just because it's the truth.

S: No, I can't [[imagine]] having it myself. But I still don't think that I should go down the street and say, "hey, you're ugly" when I see an [[ugly]] person just because it's the [[truth]].

R: But perhaps what you call ugly is only a judgment based on physical configuration rather than a spiritual fact based upon the full and integrated personality of the individual in question.

R: But perhaps what you call ugly is only a [[judgment]] based on [[physical]] [[configuration]] rather than a [[spiritual]] [[fact]] based upon the full and integrated [[personality]] of the [[individual]] in question.

S: But then let's say I say "you're ugly in accordance with my concept of your physical configuration, but not spiritually."

S: But then let's say I say "you're ugly in [[accordance]] with my concept of your [[physical]] configuration, but not spiritually."

S2: Suppose you keep your mouth shut.

S2: Suppose you keep your mouth shut.

R: If you said that, it might take the edge off the insult.

R: If you said that, it might take the edge off the insult.

S: I think he's trying to draw a comparison here.

S: I think he's trying to draw a [[comparison]] here.

R: There can be no truth without kindness and goodness. That should help you to understand.

R: There can be no [[truth]] without [[kindness]] and [[goodness]]. That should help you to [[understand]].

S: Can there be a fact without kindness and goodness?

S: Can there be a [[fact]] without kindness and goodness?

R: Fact is a linguistic creation which in the absolute sense refers to a statement of a truthful situation. In the purest sense there is no distinction between fact and truth, however you do not have the perception of Jesus. So then I would ask you, knowing this, do you think that you truly have mastered any facts at all?

R: [[Fact]] is a [[linguistic]] [[creation]] which in the absolute sense refers to a [[statement]] of a truthful situation. In the [[purest]] sense there is no [[distinction]] between [[fact]] and [[truth]], however you do not have the [[perception]] of [[Jesus]]. So then I would ask you, knowing this, do you think that you truly have mastered any [[facts]] at all?

S: Well, I know that two and two are always four, but

S: Well, I know that two and two are always four, but

R: In this universe.

R: In this [[Nebadon|universe]].

S: With that qualification, yes. But I suppose that most of the things that I know as facts in my own mind are really true, although sometimes I can be mistaken. You notice who's laughing, don't you?

S: With that qualification, yes. But I [[suppose]] that most of the [[things]] that I know as [[facts]] in my own mind are really true, although sometimes I can be mistaken. You notice who's laughing, don't you?

R: You will have an interesting time mastering mota.

R: You will have an interesting [[time]] mastering [[mota]].

S: Won't we all? Could you please explain to me more on kindness and particularly what is tithing? Is that a valid thing, because money is material, is it not?

S: Won't we all? Could you please [[explain]] to me more on [[kindness]] and particularly what is [[tithing]]? Is that a [[valid]] thing, because [[money]] is material, is it not?

R: God has no requirement for the offering of material substance as an accompaniment to prayer.

R: God has no requirement for the offering of material substance as an accompaniment to [[prayer]].

S: Does casting your bread out on the waters mean being kind and good and truthful?

S: Does casting your bread out on the waters[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ecclesiastes#Chapter_.11] mean being [[kind]] and [[good]] and [[truthful]]?

R: Among other things, yes.

R: Among other things, yes.

S: That's the way I should view it then? (R: Yes.) Back to kindness, where there is no Thought Adjuster and the question of whether kindness can be wasted on someone in that state. Kindness is such a quality of universe value that I have trouble finding it wasted anytime that it is extended. I can see your caution about risk, where the person is known or perceived to be totally evil, but there are people without Thought Adjusters who simply are, whose minds have deteriorated to the extent that kindness would seem to be needed. They would still perceive their physical response to kindness, wouldn't they?

S: That's the way I should view it then? (R: Yes.) Back to [[kindness]], where there is no [[Thought Adjuster]] and the question of whether kindness can be [[wasted]] on someone in that state. Kindness is such a [[quality]] of [[universe]] [[value]] that I have trouble finding it wasted anytime that it is extended. I can see your [[caution]] about [[risk]], where the person is known or [[perceived]] to be totally [[evil]], but there are people without [[Thought Adjusters]] who simply are, whose [[minds]] have deteriorated to the extent that [[kindness]] would seem to be needed. They would still [[perceive]] their physical [[response]] to kindness, wouldn't they?

R: As an animal might, however your culture may wish to question the wisdom of maintenance of life in those who are in such a state.

R: As an [[animal]] might, however your [[culture]] may wish to question the [[wisdom]] of [[maintenance]] of life in those who are in such a [[state]].

S: We haven't evolved that much as a whole yet, but it has come to many of us that we ought to be going that way. Thank you.

S: We haven't evolved that much as a whole yet, but it has come to many of us that we ought to be going that way. Thank you.

R: You are welcome. The capacity to discern Thought Adjuster absence is very close, but not fully arrived yet among Urantia mortals. Those of you who are more advanced in your spirit growth will have a greater sense of this in the ones you contact. But in the not-too-distant future such lack will be almost universally apparent on this planet, as would have been the case long ago had the plan been followed.

R: You are welcome. The [[capacity]] to [[discern]] [[Thought Adjuster]] absence is very close, but not fully arrived yet among [[Urantia]] mortals. Those of you who are more advanced in your [[spirit growth]] will have a greater sense of this in the ones you [[contact]]. But in the not-too-distant [[future]] such lack will be almost [[universally]] apparent on [[this planet]], as would have been the case long ago had the plan been followed.

S: Could you comment about the validity of being sometimes untruthful to avoid hurting other human beings feelings?

S: Could you comment about the [[validity]] of being sometimes untruthful to avoid [[hurting]] other human beings [[feelings]]?

R: Do you recall how Jesus handled such a situation?

R: Do you recall how [[Jesus]] handled such a situation?

S: No, I can't remember.

S: No, I can't [[remember]].

R: Does anyone here have a comment?

R: Does anyone here have a comment?

S: Yes, I think that He was never unkind even when He refrained from telling, quote, "the whole truth". I guess He was always governed by kindness and consideration for the recipient, and would never say anything unkind.

S: Yes, I think that He was never unkind even when He refrained from telling, quote, "the whole [[truth]]". I guess He was always [[governed]] by [[kindness]] and [[consideration]] for the recipient, and would never say anything unkind.

S2: What about the money exchangers?

S2: What about the [[money]] exchangers?

S: That's not unkindness, necessarily.

S: That's not unkindness, necessarily.

S2: If you will remember, the money exchangers were in the temple, and He had a human emotion pertaining to their desecrating His Father's temple. And for a while I think it got the best of the human Jesus. And His most unkind words, I think, were toward the religious leaders. He called them vipers, at least John the Baptist called them vipers. His worst words He said against political leaders were He called Herod an ill fox, that old fox.

S2: If you will remember, the [[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=173:1_Cleansing_the_Temple|money exchangers were in the temple]], and He had a human [[emotion]] pertaining to their [[desecrating]] His Father's [[temple]]. And for a while I think it got the best of the human [[Jesus]]. And His most unkind [[words]], I think, were toward the [[religious]] [[leaders]]. He called them vipers, at least [[John the Baptist]] called them vipers. His worst [[words]] He said against [[political]] leaders were He called Herod an ill fox, that old fox.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=171:4_Teaching_at_Livias 171:.6]

S: But you're talking about whether He did or did not say anything derogatory, but actually I can't remember that the human Jesus ever made an untruthful flattering statement just to save somebody's feelings either. He always sought something good to say, but He didn't speak untruth, as far as I recall.

S: But you're talking about whether He did or did not say anything derogatory, but actually I can't [[remember]] that the human [[Jesus]] ever made an untruthful flattering [[statement]] just to save somebody's [[feelings]] either. He always sought something [[good]] to say, but He didn't speak untruth, as far as I recall.

R: That is correct. He exercised restraint, yet was never insincere.

R: That is correct. He exercised restraint, yet was never insincere.

S2: Sincerity is the key then. If a guy is an old fox, and if it's truthful, I would be inclined to say that.

S2: [[Sincerity]] is the key then. If a guy is an old fox, and if it's truthful, I would be inclined to say that.

S: Or nothing at all.

S: Or nothing at all.

S2: No, I'd probably say it and regret it later. (S: Okay.)

S2: No, I'd probably say it and [[regret]] it later. (S: Okay.)

R: Perhaps if you beheld a professed temple of religious worship that more resembled a combination between a carnival and a gambling village, you would be appalled, also.

R: Perhaps if you beheld a professed [[temple]] of religious [[worship]] that more resembled a combination between a [[carnival]] and a [[gambling]] village, you would be appalled, also.

S: I think I would be. That - would be my vocal response to what's happened in the Temple, that in current usage with all the flair and the selling things and everything.

S: I [[think]] I would be. That - would be my [[vocal]] [[response]] to what's happened in [[173:1 Cleansing the Temple|the Temple]], that in current usage with all the flair and the selling things and everything.

R: When men came to the temple to procure sexual companions, Is that worshipful? (S: No.)

R: When men came to the [[temple]] to [[Prostitution|procure sexual companions]], Is that [[worshipful]]? (S: No.)

S: Rayson, were you at the time, were you at that temple, were you present when those things took place?

R: Not on [[Urantia]], but I have reviewed the [[records]] of [[this planet]] thoroughly and have beheld the details of which you speak.

R: Not on Urantia, but I have reviewed the records of this planet thoroughly and have beheld the details of which you speak.

S: Rayson, I was [[wondering]], we have video tapes and so on. Do you have the [[ability]] to actually do a revisiting of it as though it were on video tape or actually like in 3-D [[circumstance]] where you can actually relive that moment and see it?

S: Rayson, I was wondering, we have video tapes and so on. Do you have the ability to actually do a revisiting of it as though it were on video tape or actually like in 3-D circumstance where you can actually relive that moment and see it?

R: The [[Ancients of Days]] guard the [[records]] of the [[cosmos]] and may [[permit]] one to review historical features when it is deemed appropriate. It is far more than the visual record to which you allude. There are [[spirit]] [[qualities]] recorded as well.

R: The Ancients of Days guard the records of the cosmos and may permit one to review historical features when it is deemed appropriate. It is far more than the visual record to which you allude. There are spirit qualities recorded as well.

S: How far would one have to advance through the [[mansion worlds]] before one would be capable of viewing these and [[receiving]] any benefit from them?

S: How far would one have to advance through the mansion worlds before one would be capable of viewing these and receiving any benefit from them?

R: It all depends on need, actually; if you are needed, it can happen early. If not, it may never occur. Your [[unique]] and [[individual]] [[personality]] is known to those at high levels and if it can be useful to them they will appeal to you for [[service]].

R: It all depends on need, actually; if you are needed, it can happen early. If not, it may never occur. Your unique and individual personality is known to those at high levels and if it can be useful to them they will appeal to you for service.

S: Rayson, is it possible that [[Christ]] [[Michael]] was actually being [[kind]], in a way, when He pointed out the [[error]] of the ways of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_exchange_market money changers] to them?

S: Rayson, is it possible that Christ Michael was actually being kind, in a way, when He pointed out the error of the ways of the money changers to them?

S: I'm such a [[believer]] in [[kindness]]. On the other hand, in [[thinking]] about this very same [[circumstance]], it seems to be, at times, very appropriate and needed [[anger]] [[response]] in life. It seems to be able to [[free]] us up emotionally. In [[fact]], many times I look on anger as just another [[emotion]] which the [[denial]] of is very [[painful]], and can even undermine our emotional [[health]]. In [[fact]], releasing anger at times, could almost be [[kind]] under certain circumstances. Could you comment on that? Am I making myself [[clear]]?

R: Yes, I believe I understand, but let me ask you. When you yourself [[experience]] this [[anger]], do you feel close to [[God]]?

 

 

R: Yes, I believe I understand, but let me ask you. When you yourself experience this anger, do you feel close to God?

S: No, I don't feel close to God at that time, necessarily.

S: No, I don't feel close to God at that time, necessarily.

R: That is the answer. Do you understand that?

R: That is the answer. Do you [[understand]] that?

S: I understand that, but also wonder if it isn't part of our emotional makeup as human beings, that we're going to be involved in working through things which require anger as well as kindness, require multi-facets of our personality.

S: I understand that, but also [[wonder]] if it isn't part of our [[emotional]] makeup as [[human beings]], that we're going to be involved in working through things which require [[anger]] as well as [[kindness]], require multi-[[facets]] of our [[personality]].

R: The anger response is a leftover from your animal origins, and at the time that light and life are attained, anger will have fallen away from the repertoire of behavioral responses to stimuli on the part of Urantia mortals. I am not saying that at this time in the development of the planet it may not be a response that is in accord with the conditions in which you live, but your response, in terms of not feeling close to God, shows that you yourself understand the limited quality of anger in terms of your own spirit growth.

R: The [[anger]] [[response]] is a leftover from your [[animal]] origins, and at the time that [[light and life]] are attained, [[anger]] will have fallen away from the [[repertoire]] of [[behavioral]] responses to [[stimuli]] on the part of [[Urantia]] mortals. I am not saying that at this time in the [[development]] of [[the planet]] it may not be a [[response]] that is in accord with the conditions in which you live, but your [[response]], in terms of not [[feeling]] close to [[God]], shows that you yourself understand the limited [[quality]] of [[anger]] in terms of your own [[spirit growth]].

S: The reason I brought that up was because of a book by Theodore Rubin called The Angry Book in which he, as a psychiatrist, maintains that unless you really vent anger, it's not something that's harbored or hung on to, but it's an emotion that if it's not expressed comes out in deviant behavior sooner or later. It's saved up like in a slush account. Most of us can easily deal with kindness, or we can deal with love and caring, but it's more difficult for us to deal, at times, with anger.

S: The reason I brought that up was because of a [[book]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Rubin Theodore Rubin] called [http://books.simonandschuster.com/Angry-Book/Theodore-I-Rubin-MD/9780684842011 The Angry Book] in which he, as a psychiatrist, maintains that unless you really vent [[anger]], it's not something that's harbored or hung on to, but it's an [[emotion]] that if it's not [[expressed]] comes out in deviant [[behavior]] sooner or later. It's saved up like in a slush account. Most of us can easily deal with [[kindness]], or we can deal with [[love]] and [[caring]], but it's more [[difficult]] for us to deal, at times, with [[anger]].

R: Do you recall how Jesus managed anger as He grew and developed into His ultimate role on Urantia? One instance was already mentioned, but can you think of others later on?

R: Do you recall how [[Jesus]] managed [[anger]] as He grew and [[developed]] into His [[ultimate]] role on [[Urantia]]? One instance was already mentioned, but can you [[think]] of others later on?

S: Well, He dealt with compassion, understanding, empathy. He had a full range of things He used.

S: Well, He dealt with [[compassion]], understanding, [[empathy]]. He had a full range of things He used.

R: Do you recall His periods of meditation?

R: Do you recall His periods of [[meditation]]?

S: Yes, that's right. He spent a great deal of time in communion between Father and Himself.

S: Yes, that's right. He spent a great deal of time in [[communion]] between Father and Himself.

R: After which He returned with what feelings?

R: After which He returned with what [[feelings]]?

S: Feelings of wholeness and, I think, perspective, and love, kindness, caring

S: [[Feelings]] of wholeness and, I think, perspective, and love, kindness, caring

R: And resolution of anger. The animal emotions that you experience in your life as a mortal being are best understood - in your current intellectual parlance - as expressions of the narcissistic ego against perceived violations of the assumed perfection of self. To make that clearer, I would say that an emotion such as anger is truly an expression of discomfort at your deep, and perhaps not conscious, realization of your own imperfection. And yet you know very well that imperfection is one of your endowments, a gift from Father that enables you to be a co-creator in this universe and others beyond.

R: And [[resolution]] of [[anger]]. The animal [[emotions]] that you experience in your life as a [[mortal]] being are best [[understood]] - in your current [[intellectual]] parlance - as [[expressions]] of the [[narcissistic]] [[ego]] against [[perceived]] [[violations]] of the assumed [[perfection]] of [[self]]. To make that clearer, I would say that an [[emotion]] such as [[anger]] is truly an expression of discomfort at your deep, and perhaps not [[conscious]], realization of your own imperfection. And yet you know very well that imperfection is one of your [[endowments]], a gift from Father that enables you to be a co-creator in this universe and others beyond.

S: Is there any such thing as righteous indignation?

S: Is there any such thing as [[righteous]] [[indignation]]?

R: What do you think?

R: What do you [[think]]?

S: I think it's a code word for anger myself.

S: I think it's a code word for [[anger]] myself.

R: I would agree with you.

R: I would [[agree]] with you.

S: And an excuse for manipulation.

S: And an excuse for [[manipulation]].

S2: It's just the anger that you approve. The anger you disapprove of is just plain anger. It is sometimes an excuse for controlling behavior, too, I think.

S2: It's just the [[anger]] that you approve. The anger you disapprove of is just plain [[anger]]. It is sometimes an excuse for [[controlling]] [[behavior]], too, I think.

R: Is there not fear and pride contained within what you call anger, indignation, even righteousness? (S: Ego.)

R: Is there not [[fear]] and [[pride]] contained within what you call [[anger]], [[indignation]], even righteousness? (S: Ego.)

S2: Yes, but sometimes, in my experience, I have found that the only way I can get through to somebody is to use anger. When you talk nice and when you talk quietly, they don't listen. But when you yell and you jump up and down, it seems like they listen sometimes.

S2: Yes, but sometimes, in my [[experience]], I have found that the only way I can get through to somebody is to use [[anger]]. When you talk nice and when you talk [[quietly]], they don't [[listen]]. But when you yell and you jump up and down, it seems like they listen sometimes.

R: Perhaps you are dealing with animals.

R: Perhaps you are dealing with [[animals]].

S: But what if they learn from my anger?

S: But what if they learn from my [[anger]]?

R: Do animals ever truly learn?

R: Do [[animals]] ever truly learn?

S: I don't know.

S: I don't know.

R: Can you think of a more teacher-like way of persuading less spiritually advanced beings?

R: Can you think of a more [[teacher]]-like way of persuading less spiritually advanced beings?

S: I think I need to do that. It's hard work being angry.

S: I think I need to do that. It's hard work being [[angry]].

R: It does not contribute much to your ultimate goal of spirit growth and development, and you are sufficiently advanced to desire that and enjoy the sensation of pleasure which results from God-directed act.

R: It does not contribute much to your [[ultimate]] goal of [[spirit growth]] and development, and you are sufficiently advanced to [[desire]] that and enjoy the sensation of [[pleasure]] which results from God-directed act.

S: You used the illustration of training animals. I think that far, far more animal trainers do so by rewarding desirable conduct than by punishing undesirable conduct.

S: You used the [[illustration]] of [[training]] [[animals]]. I think that far, far more animal trainers do so by rewarding desirable conduct than by punishing undesirable conduct.

R: Yes, they have an understanding of the limitations of animals as well as the presence of the lower adjutant mind spirits that respond well to small reward.

R: Yes, they have an [[understanding]] of the [[limitations]] of [[animals]] as well as the [[presence]] of the lower [[adjutant mind spirits]] that [[respond]] well to small reward.

S: I have a question on kindness to animals. As we respond to animals we treat them in a kindly manner, we're kind to them and we project love upon them. In effect, is that a real relationship? Is that a true kind act? Is there survivor value, for instance, in God the Supreme, when you, are kind to an animal, and love it, and care about it, when in fact it doesn't respond? It is not kind to you per se or it doesn't love you because it doesn't have the capacity to do those things?

S: I have a question on [[kindness]] to animals. As we [[respond]] to animals we treat them in a [[kindly]] [[manner]], we're [[kind]] to them and we project [[love]] upon them. In effect, is that a real [[relationship]]? Is that a true kind act? Is there [[survivor]] value, for instance, in [[God the Supreme]], when you, are kind to an animal, and [[love]] it, and care about it, when in [[fact]] it doesn't respond? It is not kind to you per se or it doesn't [[love]] you because it doesn't have the capacity to do those things?

R: Yes, of course, because by virtue of your kindness you yourself grow, and you will retain your growth. However, I would like to caution you in only one small regard, and that is the mistaking of kindness to animals as being a substitute for kindness to your neighbor. There are some who profess that animals are better than people. They like animals better than people, and therefore animals are more deserving of kindness than people. This is a limited view that certainly can lead to some limited personal growth. But remember, my friends, that you are all agents of change and co-creators with Father. By participating in this teaching mission you have agreed to assist in the uplifting of Urantia. Urantia will be far less uplifted by kindness to pets than by kindness to mortal beings.

R: Yes, of course, because by [[virtue]] of your [[kindness]] you yourself [[grow]], and you will retain your growth. However, I would like to [[caution]] you in only one small regard, and that is the mistaking of [[kindness]] to [[animals]] as being a [[substitute]] for kindness to your [[neighbor]]. There are some who profess that animals are better than people. They like animals better than people, and therefore animals are more deserving of kindness than people. This is a [[limited]] view that certainly can lead to some limited [[personal growth]]. But remember, my friends, that you are all [[agents]] of [[change]] and [[co-creators]] with [[the Father|Father]]. By [[participating]] in this [[Teaching Mission]] you have [[agreed]] to assist in the uplifting of [[Urantia]]. Urantia will be far less uplifted by [[kindness]] to pets than by kindness to [[mortal]] beings.

S: Rayson, I'm really, really happy you commented on this. That, to me, is a very important subject, and I'm glad you brought it out. I think it's good for people to understand that we, as human beings, are relating because of our Thought Adjuster relationship. And while kindness to animals is certainly pleasant and nice and so on, it's not a substitute. Thank you for that.

S: Rayson, I'm really, really happy you commented on this. That, to me, is a very important subject, and I'm glad you brought it out. I think it's good for people to [[understand]] that we, as [[human being]]s, are relating because of our [[Thought Adjuster]] [[relationship]]. And while kindness to animals is certainly [[pleasant]] and nice and so on, it's not a [[substitute]]. Thank you for that.

R: You are welcome. It is far easier to be kind to a fawning pet than to be kind to a sluggish employee or an angry customer or a proud neighbor. And yet you can see that the great leaps in your own growth and development come from the latter rather than the former.

R: You are welcome. It is far easier to be kind to a fawning pet than to be kind to a sluggish employee or an [[angry]] customer or a [[proud]] [[neighbor]]. And yet you can see that the great leaps in your own [[growth]] and development come from the latter rather than the former.

S: There's a proverb that says a soft answer turneth away wrath. It probably could be substituted, instead of a soft answer, a kind act.

S: There's a [[proverb]] that says a [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Proverbs#Proverb_.15 soft answer turneth away wrath]. It probably could be substituted, instead of a soft answer, a kind [[act]].

R: Yes. (12/18/93) See also WORK & Conviction of Truth (01/15/94)

R: Yes. (12/18/93) See also [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1993-01-01-Rayson_%26_Friends,_Vol._2,_Part_4#WORK_and_CONVICTION_of_TRUTH WORK & Conviction of Truth] (01/15/94)

END Part 3 of 4 Parts Vol II Rayson

END Part 3 of 4 Parts Vol II Rayson

Yes, but my memory record is made available to my personal Reversion Director who selects areas where I have the choice to work or play in those areas or move to others. Only if you are not hungry and do not require nourishment to function, although the rest that you receive during your sleep periods is not generally accompanied by the taking of nourishment. This does not mean that you may not feed while resting. In fact, if your body requires nourishment after particularly arduous work, it might be important for you to eat during your rest period. In what respect would you call "fasting" rest?

Yes, but my memory record is made available to my personal [[Reversion Director]] who selects areas where I have the [[choice]] to [[work]] or [[play]] in those areas or move to others. Only if you are not [[hungry]] and do not require nourishment to [[function]], although the rest that you [[receive]] during your [[sleep]] periods is not generally accompanied by the taking of nourishment. This does not mean that you may not feed while [[resting]]. In [[fact]], if your body requires nourishment after particularly arduous [[work]], it might be important for you to eat during your rest period. In what [[respect]] would you call "[[fasting]]" [[rest]]?

[[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]]

[[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]]