Changes

January 01, 1993 to January 22, 1994

 

===Topic: ''Rayson & Friends, Vol. 2, Part 3''===

 

Part 3 of 4 Parts

 

 

===OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES===

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES

S: Can you explain to me what happens when you have an out-of-body experience?

S: Can you explain to me what happens when you have an out-of-body experience?

R: They perfectly execute their role. There have been no defaults to date. (12/04/93) *********************

R: They perfectly execute their role. There have been no defaults to date. (12/04/93) *********************

PAIN

===PAIN===

Q: Is your continued ability to experience pain an aid to your growth and development at your stage in the mansion worlds and in your work here on the planet with us mortals?

Q: Is your continued ability to experience pain an aid to your growth and development at your stage in the mansion worlds and in your work here on the planet with us mortals?

S: I'm anxious to review it. (01/02/94)

S: I'm anxious to review it. (01/02/94)

===PATIENCE===

 

PATIENCE

R: Since we have a somewhat smaller group than usual, we can be a bit more intimate in our discussion which will probably be to your liking. Patience. This is a topic which will be reinforced from time to time because the engineers of this teaching mission are very keenly aware that there is great trial and tribulation in your existence on Urantia at the present time. Not only have you to deal with the residual of the rebellion, but there is also going to be a certain amount of turmoil among the masses due to the reestablishment of the universe circuits and the intermittent upstepping of the power of the transmissions. Those who are less well-prepared than yourselves will find themselves to be more irritable, more easily agitated than had been the case in past. This is because their Thought Adjusters will respond to the increasing signal by attempting stronger, stronger, efforts within, and the mind of the given being set in certain animal ways that - not necessarily defeat, but make it more difficult for the Thought Adjusters cooperative efforts to proceed - will set up a turmoil within the conscious mind. To restate this, those humans on Urantia who have not been working in concert with the Mystery Monitor within up until recent months will be the ones who become somewhat unstable and this in turn may lead to some social repercussions and the appearance, at least, of social destabilization. But do not be alarmed, my friends, because this is only a temporary situation. Remember that no change is wrought in the cosmos without some rearrangement of existing structures, whatever they may be, and at times it is necessary to eliminate old and no longer necessary forms. With the upstepping of the energy of transmission, the social destabilization that results will ultimately lead to this end, that is, mankind on Urantia will be one step closer to light and life when all the dust settles. How long this will take I do not know. How can you best get through this period? That is where patience comes in. Remember again the life of Jesus on this planet, the model of patience. Your religionists have attempted to persuade their followers that by following Jesus's example one would be enabled to have a life without fear, without material worry, indeed some have promised great wealth and total freedom from worry, pain, violence. Of course, you know this is not true. Recall the manner in which Jesus died on Urantia, if you need any reminders. But He died without fear. And He died with his faith intact, His manly faith as opposed to His spiritual knowledge because of His awareness of His identity. And most of all He patiently bore all that occurred. If the Son of God and the Son of man could be patient and endure a period of life in the flesh on Urantia, then this is, or can be, of much comfort to you. And when you one day meet Michael of Nebadon and are privileged to share with Him your memories of life on Urantia, the patience with which you bore your own personal tribulations will be a very special thing, a shining facet. To think that you could have that in common with a Creator Son is marvellous indeed, is it not?

R: Since we have a somewhat smaller group than usual, we can be a bit more intimate in our discussion which will probably be to your liking. Patience. This is a topic which will be reinforced from time to time because the engineers of this teaching mission are very keenly aware that there is great trial and tribulation in your existence on Urantia at the present time. Not only have you to deal with the residual of the rebellion, but there is also going to be a certain amount of turmoil among the masses due to the reestablishment of the universe circuits and the intermittent upstepping of the power of the transmissions. Those who are less well-prepared than yourselves will find themselves to be more irritable, more easily agitated than had been the case in past. This is because their Thought Adjusters will respond to the increasing signal by attempting stronger, stronger, efforts within, and the mind of the given being set in certain animal ways that - not necessarily defeat, but make it more difficult for the Thought Adjusters cooperative efforts to proceed - will set up a turmoil within the conscious mind. To restate this, those humans on Urantia who have not been working in concert with the Mystery Monitor within up until recent months will be the ones who become somewhat unstable and this in turn may lead to some social repercussions and the appearance, at least, of social destabilization. But do not be alarmed, my friends, because this is only a temporary situation. Remember that no change is wrought in the cosmos without some rearrangement of existing structures, whatever they may be, and at times it is necessary to eliminate old and no longer necessary forms. With the upstepping of the energy of transmission, the social destabilization that results will ultimately lead to this end, that is, mankind on Urantia will be one step closer to light and life when all the dust settles. How long this will take I do not know. How can you best get through this period? That is where patience comes in. Remember again the life of Jesus on this planet, the model of patience. Your religionists have attempted to persuade their followers that by following Jesus's example one would be enabled to have a life without fear, without material worry, indeed some have promised great wealth and total freedom from worry, pain, violence. Of course, you know this is not true. Recall the manner in which Jesus died on Urantia, if you need any reminders. But He died without fear. And He died with his faith intact, His manly faith as opposed to His spiritual knowledge because of His awareness of His identity. And most of all He patiently bore all that occurred. If the Son of God and the Son of man could be patient and endure a period of life in the flesh on Urantia, then this is, or can be, of much comfort to you. And when you one day meet Michael of Nebadon and are privileged to share with Him your memories of life on Urantia, the patience with which you bore your own personal tribulations will be a very special thing, a shining facet. To think that you could have that in common with a Creator Son is marvellous indeed, is it not?

S: Yes, yes. It helps. (10/23/93)

S: Yes, yes. It helps. (10/23/93)

===PERFECTION===

 

PERFECTION

Today I shall speak on perfection and imperfection, for I sense that the time has come to give consideration to this important and unifying concept. It has been said that this area of perfection and its counterpart, imperfection, causes more frustration, pain, and time delay in spiritual progress than any other area of consideration in the education of imperfectly created beings. Indeed, I myself continue to wrestle with this topic, and it was the lever, if you will, that was used so adroitly by Lucifer to draw support to his rebellion. He correctly perceived that the subject of perfection and imperfection in the universe is an area of much misunderstanding that begets highly emotional responses from not only beings of imperfect creation but also the equivalent of emotional response from beings created perfect. Indeed, you will spend well over a million years of your existence learning and struggling with this concept and still will not have a complete knowledge of it. So what is perfect then? Perfect is Father. Perfect is the Trinity and all that emanates there from, unless it be deliberately created with imperfect potential. For they cannot do otherwise than to create perfect, except by most careful and deliberate engineering. You may be interested to know that the Most Highs considered it to be a major breakthrough in the creation plan when the first imperfect creation was made.

Today I shall speak on perfection and imperfection, for I sense that the time has come to give consideration to this important and unifying concept. It has been said that this area of perfection and its counterpart, imperfection, causes more frustration, pain, and time delay in spiritual progress than any other area of consideration in the education of imperfectly created beings. Indeed, I myself continue to wrestle with this topic, and it was the lever, if you will, that was used so adroitly by Lucifer to draw support to his rebellion. He correctly perceived that the subject of perfection and imperfection in the universe is an area of much misunderstanding that begets highly emotional responses from not only beings of imperfect creation but also the equivalent of emotional response from beings created perfect. Indeed, you will spend well over a million years of your existence learning and struggling with this concept and still will not have a complete knowledge of it. So what is perfect then? Perfect is Father. Perfect is the Trinity and all that emanates there from, unless it be deliberately created with imperfect potential. For they cannot do otherwise than to create perfect, except by most careful and deliberate engineering. You may be interested to know that the Most Highs considered it to be a major breakthrough in the creation plan when the first imperfect creation was made.

S: I remember reading that now. (12/04/93)

S: I remember reading that now. (12/04/93)

===PLAY, REST AND RECREATION===

 

PLAY, REST AND RECREATION

Q: I'd like to know what you do personally for recreation.

Q: I'd like to know what you do personally for recreation.

A: Yes, yes, you are right. What greater wonderment could there be than to draw closer to Father? And you see when a Urantia mortal progresses in his or her life appropriately, there will be that period of physical striving and gratification of animal drives. And there will be the period of intellectual striving and - through the intellect - gratification of the animal drives. And then there will be, if one is fortunate to escape accident, there will be that period of spirit striving and attainment. The one who becomes superlative in the intellectual striving, but never passes beyond, the one who excels in the intellectual effort and never graduates to the spiritual has not, for whatever reason, managed to exploit the potential which exists now on this planet. The one who never goes beyond the physical has been even more retarded, you might say, for there is ample opportunity to transcend the physical and intellectual and achieve that spirit level of growth during a normal time span of life on Urantia now. The channel suggests that I evoke the image of Neapolitan ice cream. [laughter] (11/21/93)

A: Yes, yes, you are right. What greater wonderment could there be than to draw closer to Father? And you see when a Urantia mortal progresses in his or her life appropriately, there will be that period of physical striving and gratification of animal drives. And there will be the period of intellectual striving and - through the intellect - gratification of the animal drives. And then there will be, if one is fortunate to escape accident, there will be that period of spirit striving and attainment. The one who becomes superlative in the intellectual striving, but never passes beyond, the one who excels in the intellectual effort and never graduates to the spiritual has not, for whatever reason, managed to exploit the potential which exists now on this planet. The one who never goes beyond the physical has been even more retarded, you might say, for there is ample opportunity to transcend the physical and intellectual and achieve that spirit level of growth during a normal time span of life on Urantia now. The channel suggests that I evoke the image of Neapolitan ice cream. [laughter] (11/21/93)

Our lesson today is on the subject of play, rest and recreation, which is a natural correlate to our previous discussion on work. Play, rest, and recreation are just as vital to the functioning of the cosmos as our work. This is not to say you cannot accomplish work in the course of your restful activities. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we will separate the two areas. In your present material mode of existence, there is a far clearer demarcation between work and play, toil and leisure, than you shall ever experience again. It has often been said that the most difficult part of any project is the laying of the foundation, and you are now laying the spiritual foundation for your long, long universe career. Therefore this period is difficult for you, very difficult, as your perception of the level of difficulty is most likely greatest now compared to what you will perceive at any later time in your existence.

Our lesson today is on the subject of play, rest and recreation, which is a natural correlate to our previous discussion on work. Play, rest, and recreation are just as vital to the functioning of the cosmos as our work. This is not to say you cannot accomplish work in the course of your restful activities. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we will separate the two areas. In your present material mode of existence, there is a far clearer demarcation between work and play, toil and leisure, than you shall ever experience again. It has often been said that the most difficult part of any project is the laying of the foundation, and you are now laying the spiritual foundation for your long, long universe career. Therefore this period is difficult for you, very difficult, as your perception of the level of difficulty is most likely greatest now compared to what you will perceive at any later time in your existence.

R: Yes. (11/27/93)

R: Yes. (11/27/93)

Q: In recreation, no matter what we do - whether it's rest, recreation, or toil - to keep the mind on God is the good thing to do. Is that correct? It is the intelligent thing to do, correct? Am I understanding that correctly?

Q: In recreation, no matter what we do - whether it's rest, recreation, or toil - to keep the mind on God is the good thing to do. Is that correct? It is the intelligent thing to do, correct? Am I understanding that correctly?

A: Yes, the being can invite the Adjuster back, but the Adjuster will only return if it detects sincere desire for communion. (12/12/93)

A: Yes, the being can invite the Adjuster back, but the Adjuster will only return if it detects sincere desire for communion. (12/12/93)

 

Q: I'm curious as to how prayers are answered.

Q: I'm curious as to how prayers are answered.

Few will wake up and find a new car in your driveway, or your debts are erased, or a suitcase full of money in your bed, and therefore some would say that prayers are not answered. But of course, these are material considerations and prayers are not answered in a material fashion. But be assured that when you pray there is an almost instantaneous response to your prayer in the form of celestial guidance, assistance, and - in ways deemed appropriate by the Father - you are given help that is sought. [In response to a question about the Lucifer rebellion and Caligastia betrayal Rayson said:] It takes such a small amount of difference in direction on the universe scale to have the enormous effect over the course of time. A fraction of a degree difference in direction, that is all that Caligastia's behavior affected, and yet the result was to essentially derail the basic plan leading toward the establishment of Light and Life on Urantia quite severely. The major impact of Caligastia's disobedience was the severance of the universe circuits to Urantia and other planets involved in the rebellion, because when this severance occurred man was left far, far more to his own physical being than would have been the case otherwise. If you starve a living creature of one essential nutrient the creature will live, but its function will be impaired. A good example is vitamin or mineral malnutrition. This is analogous to what happened when the universe circuits were severed to contain the rebellion. Man continued to live but did not thrive as had been intended because of a stunting of spiritual growth. Yes, prayers were still answered, but through a detour - if you will - and less expeditiously than otherwise would have been the case. Yes, there were beings - are beings - here to help you, Midwayers and beyond. But because of lack of access to the universe circuits it was immeasurably harder for these helpers to assist man as he sought daily guidance in spiritual growth. (05/22/93)

Few will wake up and find a new car in your driveway, or your debts are erased, or a suitcase full of money in your bed, and therefore some would say that prayers are not answered. But of course, these are material considerations and prayers are not answered in a material fashion. But be assured that when you pray there is an almost instantaneous response to your prayer in the form of celestial guidance, assistance, and - in ways deemed appropriate by the Father - you are given help that is sought. [In response to a question about the Lucifer rebellion and Caligastia betrayal Rayson said:] It takes such a small amount of difference in direction on the universe scale to have the enormous effect over the course of time. A fraction of a degree difference in direction, that is all that Caligastia's behavior affected, and yet the result was to essentially derail the basic plan leading toward the establishment of Light and Life on Urantia quite severely. The major impact of Caligastia's disobedience was the severance of the universe circuits to Urantia and other planets involved in the rebellion, because when this severance occurred man was left far, far more to his own physical being than would have been the case otherwise. If you starve a living creature of one essential nutrient the creature will live, but its function will be impaired. A good example is vitamin or mineral malnutrition. This is analogous to what happened when the universe circuits were severed to contain the rebellion. Man continued to live but did not thrive as had been intended because of a stunting of spiritual growth. Yes, prayers were still answered, but through a detour - if you will - and less expeditiously than otherwise would have been the case. Yes, there were beings - are beings - here to help you, Midwayers and beyond. But because of lack of access to the universe circuits it was immeasurably harder for these helpers to assist man as he sought daily guidance in spiritual growth. (05/22/93)

S: I have a feeling that my strength and my security lie only in my faith, is that correct? Faith makes it possible to talk with you. Frankly, I'm uncomfortable, it’s a new experience. I mean the fact that you exist and the way that you communicate is not-its so foreign to conventional thought. I feel like I'm standing in a valley, about to climb a mountain, and the mountain is covered in clouds. And then you come along and the Urantia Book comes along, blows away the clouds and I see this mountain, its 350,000 years high, and you are on the same mountain. Is that right?

S: I have a feeling that my strength and my security lie only in my faith, is that correct? Faith makes it possible to talk with you. Frankly, I'm uncomfortable, it’s a new experience. I mean the fact that you exist and the way that you communicate is not-its so foreign to conventional thought. I feel like I'm standing in a valley, about to climb a mountain, and the mountain is covered in clouds. And then you come along and the Urantia Book comes along, blows away the clouds and I see this mountain, its 350,000 years high, and you are on the same mountain. Is that right?

R: Then you certainly may do so, my friend. (11/27/93)

R: Then you certainly may do so, my friend. (11/27/93)

===PRIORITIES===

 

PRIORITIES

[A student is commenting on her absence at a commemoration of Jesus' last supper on the occasion of His birthday on August 21,1994.]

[A student is commenting on her absence at a commemoration of Jesus' last supper on the occasion of His birthday on August 21,1994.]

S: I know, I wanted to be there. I knew that was a very special, and I would think powerful, time. I had all kinds of great intent and food to go there that night. I knew in my heart that my choice was fine, along the lines of worship. (08/28/93)

S: I know, I wanted to be there. I knew that was a very special, and I would think powerful, time. I had all kinds of great intent and food to go there that night. I knew in my heart that my choice was fine, along the lines of worship. (08/28/93)

===PSYCHOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY===

 

PSYCHOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY

Q: Rayson, with regards to these lessons, doesn't personal ministry, then, effect a balance of psychology and spirituality? Isn't it impossible to avoid the psychology in personal ministry?

Q: Rayson, with regards to these lessons, doesn't personal ministry, then, effect a balance of psychology and spirituality? Isn't it impossible to avoid the psychology in personal ministry?

A: Correct. (05/29/93)

A: Correct. (05/29/93)

===SCIENCE===

 

SCIENCE

S: Rayson, at what stage of advancement or what stage of development in your curriculum is the universe studied from a scientific point of view? Have you reached that stage yet?

S: Rayson, at what stage of advancement or what stage of development in your curriculum is the universe studied from a scientific point of view? Have you reached that stage yet?

R: No. And you would have increasing potential for damage. Are there further musings or questions? Then we shall conclude this lesson? (12/04/93)

R: No. And you would have increasing potential for damage. Are there further musings or questions? Then we shall conclude this lesson? (12/04/93)

===SERVICE===

 

SERVICE

Today's lesson is on the subject of service. This is a lesson that is best given to a group once it has reached a certain threshold level of knowledge, because the concept of service is instrumental in effecting change - not only on your material world, but in all phases of universe existence. Service seems such a simple concept, and yet it is very much misunderstood, most particularly in the material existence. Therefore, we will start with some basic definitions. Service, in the purest sense, is that action which the Father continuously performs. All acts of the Father are service oriented, constitute service, in fact. The incarnation of Michael on Urantia was service. And in His life in the flesh, His every behavior personified service. If you would serve, do as He would do. When in doubt ask yourself: "How would Jesus handle this? What would He do?" He set down a basic guide for conduct which some of you know as the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have done unto yourself. Where then, comes the confusion?

Today's lesson is on the subject of service. This is a lesson that is best given to a group once it has reached a certain threshold level of knowledge, because the concept of service is instrumental in effecting change - not only on your material world, but in all phases of universe existence. Service seems such a simple concept, and yet it is very much misunderstood, most particularly in the material existence. Therefore, we will start with some basic definitions. Service, in the purest sense, is that action which the Father continuously performs. All acts of the Father are service oriented, constitute service, in fact. The incarnation of Michael on Urantia was service. And in His life in the flesh, His every behavior personified service. If you would serve, do as He would do. When in doubt ask yourself: "How would Jesus handle this? What would He do?" He set down a basic guide for conduct which some of you know as the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have done unto yourself. Where then, comes the confusion?

S: It helps. Thank you very much. (You are welcome.) (05/22/93)

S: It helps. Thank you very much. (You are welcome.) (05/22/93)

===SPIRIT OF TRUTH===

 

SPIRIT OF TRUTH

[The following lesson was given following an impromptu discussion among Rayson's students regarding the non-appearance of Prince Melchizedek in Naperville.]

[The following lesson was given following an impromptu discussion among Rayson's students regarding the non-appearance of Prince Melchizedek in Naperville.]

Very few appearances have happened: the morontial appearances of Jesus, the appearance of the angel to Mary, to Joseph, the voice in the garden, to name a few. But appearances are unpredictable, and are not the first choice of communication on the part of the beings of the non-material realm. Because of the confusing rebellion on this planet where Midwayers often appeared - rebellious Midwayers appeared to primitive mortals and misled Thern - we have tried to not engage in this type of activity for fear of building up the superstitious and cult type religions that proliferate here more so than on other planets which have not undergone the rebellion. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to take advantage of the sound spiritual helpers which do exist and are here for your benefit, who love you and only want to serve your needs. (04/25/93)

Very few appearances have happened: the morontial appearances of Jesus, the appearance of the angel to Mary, to Joseph, the voice in the garden, to name a few. But appearances are unpredictable, and are not the first choice of communication on the part of the beings of the non-material realm. Because of the confusing rebellion on this planet where Midwayers often appeared - rebellious Midwayers appeared to primitive mortals and misled Thern - we have tried to not engage in this type of activity for fear of building up the superstitious and cult type religions that proliferate here more so than on other planets which have not undergone the rebellion. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to take advantage of the sound spiritual helpers which do exist and are here for your benefit, who love you and only want to serve your needs. (04/25/93)

===SPIRITUAL GROWTH===

 

Today's lesson will be on a most interesting subject: the subject of Spiritual Growth and Achievement. This is a topic which is well-timed to be presented and discussed now, for there has been reached in this mission a threshold level of information and experiential growth among the participants such that you will be better able to appreciate and incorporate the teachings that are included in this chapter of our lessons. Spiritual growth is one of the most - if not the most - important subjects of each ascendent mortal's educational process from birth through eternity, certainly extending far beyond even that glorious moment when you shall behold the Father in Paradise. You shall never stop growing spiritually as long as you continue to exist, and indeed with each fragment of time that adds to your personal existence, you become ever more proficient at the process of spiritual growth and attainment. This is an inevitable result of experiencing the universe as an active participant, engaging in freewill decision making, expending effort - and indeed much, much effort shall be expended, my friends - worship, prayer, interaction with all of the father's creatures near and far. All these activities and many, many more beyond reckoning are integral, essential components of each of your individual missions - which is your own spiritual growth and development. For some ascending mortals this begins at a very early stage to blossom into a more enhanced and aware process, even while on the planet of origin - or shall I say in your physical form and presence.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH Today's lesson will be on a most interesting subject: the subject of Spiritual Growth and Achievement. This is a topic which is well-timed to be presented and discussed now, for there has been reached in this mission a threshold level of information and experiential growth among the participants such that you will be better able to appreciate and incorporate the teachings that are included in this chapter of our lessons. Spiritual growth is one of the most - if not the most - important subjects of each ascendent mortal's educational process from birth through eternity, certainly extending far beyond even that glorious moment when you shall behold the Father in Paradise. You shall never stop growing spiritually as long as you continue to exist, and indeed with each fragment of time that adds to your personal existence, you become ever more proficient at the process of spiritual growth and attainment. This is an inevitable result of experiencing the universe as an active participant, engaging in freewill decision making, expending effort - and indeed much, much effort shall be expended, my friends - worship, prayer, interaction with all of the father's creatures near and far. All these activities and many, many more beyond reckoning are integral, essential components of each of your individual missions - which is your own spiritual growth and development. For some ascending mortals this begins at a very early stage to blossom into a more enhanced and aware process, even while on the planet of origin - or shall I say in your physical form and presence.

This is true of all present in this room now. You have worked - each of you - very diligently, have striven to embrace the Father's will and have appropriately engaged in worship behavior, and therefore you have earned your present level of development. Others who are less wanting of spiritual growth progress more slowly. This is not to belittle them but rather offers some perspective and an answer to the unasked question of why there is not more evidence of advancement among your peers on Urantia.

This is true of all present in this room now. You have worked - each of you - very diligently, have striven to embrace the Father's will and have appropriately engaged in worship behavior, and therefore you have earned your present level of development. Others who are less wanting of spiritual growth progress more slowly. This is not to belittle them but rather offers some perspective and an answer to the unasked question of why there is not more evidence of advancement among your peers on Urantia.

A: Yes, we are there helping you when you ask. (06/19/93)

A: Yes, we are there helping you when you ask. (06/19/93)

 

Today's lesson is on education and spiritual growth. This is an interesting topic in many ways. As you may have guessed, a very important part of this teaching mission is, as its title says, education. The way that we understand education varies somewhat from the concept as grasped in the material life. There is the presentation of a novel concept to the student. And the act of presenting the concept requires not only diligent effort on the part of the teacher but also the spiritual ingredient of love for the student and the sincere desire to impart that which has been gained through effort, that is, information. Without these two elements, as well as a third element, namely the sincere receptivity of the student, himself or herself, and the student's reciprocal love of knowledge and search for truth, then no real learning will occur. This is like a chemical reaction you may say. And, in fact, physical and electrical forces are very much involved in the education process. There is actual exchange of energy between the teacher and the student when true learning occurs. I am sure that everyone here has sensed that at one time or another during your lives. Think back, and remember the occasion when you acquired knowledge - and the teacher - and the occasion was marked by that different feeling within; not just a pedagogic exercise, but not so different from a dance in which both partners must coordinate their efforts and actions in order to achieve a successful result. There is nothing passive about education, about the learning process, and it may well prove to be the most difficult work that you perform for much of the first part of your eternal career. Additionally, part of the mission for each and every will creature created by the Father is to continue learning for the full period of your existence. Father has placed in all creatures abilities that are geared to assist in learning. Even the virus of Urantia is able to learn. And the act of learning can most definitely be placed in the category of "miracle." Like the secret of life, the secret of learning is unfathomable to the mortal mind. And like life, the mortal is able to perpetuate learning. And the analogy extends further for - as you are aware - many mortals believe they are responsible for life, and they are responsible for learning - lacking humility - in ignorance and denial of truth. As you grow in your ability to worship through your efforts, you will find that your capacity to learn is enhanced - yet another beneficial result of spirit growth - not a reward as you understand rewards, but more a result of following Father's plan rather than resisting. There has been talk in some of our recent lessons about Caligastia. And it is interesting to note here that the moment Caligastia received the idea of rebellion during communication with Lucifer was the moment at which his ability to learn ceased, and his ability to worship. And it could be said that he started to die at that moment, truly die, not a material death, but the profound death of the spirit.

Today's lesson is on education and spiritual growth. This is an interesting topic in many ways. As you may have guessed, a very important part of this teaching mission is, as its title says, education. The way that we understand education varies somewhat from the concept as grasped in the material life. There is the presentation of a novel concept to the student. And the act of presenting the concept requires not only diligent effort on the part of the teacher but also the spiritual ingredient of love for the student and the sincere desire to impart that which has been gained through effort, that is, information. Without these two elements, as well as a third element, namely the sincere receptivity of the student, himself or herself, and the student's reciprocal love of knowledge and search for truth, then no real learning will occur. This is like a chemical reaction you may say. And, in fact, physical and electrical forces are very much involved in the education process. There is actual exchange of energy between the teacher and the student when true learning occurs. I am sure that everyone here has sensed that at one time or another during your lives. Think back, and remember the occasion when you acquired knowledge - and the teacher - and the occasion was marked by that different feeling within; not just a pedagogic exercise, but not so different from a dance in which both partners must coordinate their efforts and actions in order to achieve a successful result. There is nothing passive about education, about the learning process, and it may well prove to be the most difficult work that you perform for much of the first part of your eternal career. Additionally, part of the mission for each and every will creature created by the Father is to continue learning for the full period of your existence. Father has placed in all creatures abilities that are geared to assist in learning. Even the virus of Urantia is able to learn. And the act of learning can most definitely be placed in the category of "miracle." Like the secret of life, the secret of learning is unfathomable to the mortal mind. And like life, the mortal is able to perpetuate learning. And the analogy extends further for - as you are aware - many mortals believe they are responsible for life, and they are responsible for learning - lacking humility - in ignorance and denial of truth. As you grow in your ability to worship through your efforts, you will find that your capacity to learn is enhanced - yet another beneficial result of spirit growth - not a reward as you understand rewards, but more a result of following Father's plan rather than resisting. There has been talk in some of our recent lessons about Caligastia. And it is interesting to note here that the moment Caligastia received the idea of rebellion during communication with Lucifer was the moment at which his ability to learn ceased, and his ability to worship. And it could be said that he started to die at that moment, truly die, not a material death, but the profound death of the spirit.

R: Yes. That is most astute. That is what happened, and this is an illustration of the true extent of Father's - of what Father will allow His creatures to do. But you can see the results, can you not? (S: Yes, I sure can.) (06/26/93)

R: Yes. That is most astute. That is what happened, and this is an illustration of the true extent of Father's - of what Father will allow His creatures to do. But you can see the results, can you not? (S: Yes, I sure can.) (06/26/93)

Q: Is it normal for us to have periods of forward growth in our spiritual growth? There is an old saying: one step forward, two steps back. Is it normal for us to have periods of regression or that seem like regression? And are they really regressive? Is it possible that we come out of those black periods with more resolve, better understanding? Or are we just starting over again?

Q: Is it normal for us to have periods of forward growth in our spiritual growth? There is an old saying: one step forward, two steps back. Is it normal for us to have periods of regression or that seem like regression? And are they really regressive? Is it possible that we come out of those black periods with more resolve, better understanding? Or are we just starting over again?

A: Well, remember again that spiritually only the positive is perceived, so it is most likely that what you personally experience is not regression, but rather stasis. That is, the forward progress you make may slow or even halt for periods. It is unlikely that anybody in this room today has actually regressed in their spiritual growth, because a true spiritual regression requires iniquitous decision making, and none of you have done that. But as I said earlier, at the spiritual level - and this will be far more apparent to you once you pass from the material life - it is the sense of awe and wonder that one gains from forward motion in the terms of spiritual growth that is such a strong incentive for beings to journey Paradiseward. And a slowing or a delay in that journey in not necessarily painful, nor is it regressive, but the wonder and awe stop. And the cessation of the wonder and awe just is not a desirable state to be in. You are probably experiencing that yourself. Do not be so harsh with yourself. Accept the fact that you are not created perfect and that you are very much feeling your way in your spiritual growth on this planet that has had so much misfortune. You are not in conscious contact with the universe circuits, as are beings on other planets. Rather, your guide is your own faith, and that is far more difficult to follow, far more difficult. And you have done very well, and will continue to do so. Think about the factor of faith, and remember that Father punishes no one for a stuttering journey. In fact, He does not even punish those who decline to take the journey. The only spiritual punishment that exists in the universe is the lack of spiritual perception, or eventually, the state of non-being. But this is a choice. You have not made that choice. None of you has made that choice. Do not let the fear of pagan religions and of your own animal heritage seep into your spiritual journey. There will be no punishment. You all know that deep inside. Think of it during the static periods. Even the best need to rest from time to time. You have read in your books about the need for reversion directors. Does that answer? (08/28/93)

A: Well, remember again that spiritually only the positive is perceived, so it is most likely that what you personally experience is not regression, but rather stasis. That is, the forward progress you make may slow or even halt for periods. It is unlikely that anybody in this room today has actually regressed in their spiritual growth, because a true spiritual regression requires iniquitous decision making, and none of you have done that. But as I said earlier, at the spiritual level - and this will be far more apparent to you once you pass from the material life - it is the sense of awe and wonder that one gains from forward motion in the terms of spiritual growth that is such a strong incentive for beings to journey Paradiseward. And a slowing or a delay in that journey in not necessarily painful, nor is it regressive, but the wonder and awe stop. And the cessation of the wonder and awe just is not a desirable state to be in. You are probably experiencing that yourself. Do not be so harsh with yourself. Accept the fact that you are not created perfect and that you are very much feeling your way in your spiritual growth on this planet that has had so much misfortune. You are not in conscious contact with the universe circuits, as are beings on other planets. Rather, your guide is your own faith, and that is far more difficult to follow, far more difficult. And you have done very well, and will continue to do so. Think about the factor of faith, and remember that Father punishes no one for a stuttering journey. In fact, He does not even punish those who decline to take the journey. The only spiritual punishment that exists in the universe is the lack of spiritual perception, or eventually, the state of non-being. But this is a choice. You have not made that choice. None of you has made that choice. Do not let the fear of pagan religions and of your own animal heritage seep into your spiritual journey. There will be no punishment. You all know that deep inside. Think of it during the static periods. Even the best need to rest from time to time. You have read in your books about the need for reversion directors. Does that answer? (08/28/93)

R: Remember again, my friends, that spirit growth in man does not occur by virtue of outside influence, material outside influence,. It cannot be forced, persuaded, bought or arranged in any way by another being. It is, and always shall be, a matter of an individual decision to accept and work with the indwelling Thought Adjuster. There is every example imaginable of this happening in the face of love, kindness, terrible cruelty and torture, enormous handicap and great wealth. There is no easy formula that you can follow to influence your fellows. You must lead your own personal life as you, in contact with your Adjuster and your own sense of universe message, deem appropriate. You are responsible for yourself while on this planet, and by conducting yourself as Jesus did you will be doing the most that you can do to positively affect this planet and your fellow beings. I know that this is hard for you as it was for me. One asks, "But is there not more that I can do? Please, please tell me where can I spread my wealth? How can I spend my time? Who can I speak to? What can I do? It must be more complicated than that." Well, the material acts of giving, speaking, doing, while well-intentioned are not the way to influence spirit growth and actually are far easier than working on one's self. As you endeavor to lead your life truthfully, kindly, with loving and goodness, your example will be observed by one and all, and your light will be perceived at least by the Thought Adjuster of others, if not by their conscious minds, and there will be a deep awareness of your goodness and your courage and faith. It requires great patience to persevere in this way. Have faith. But consider the lighthouse. It does not go to ships, swim across waves. It faithfully turns. And as the lighthouse mechanism turns, the searchlight flashes across the waters through the air, rendering service to one and all who perceive its brightness. Be like the lighthouse, my dear. Does that help?

R: Remember again, my friends, that spirit growth in man does not occur by virtue of outside influence, material outside influence,. It cannot be forced, persuaded, bought or arranged in any way by another being. It is, and always shall be, a matter of an individual decision to accept and work with the indwelling Thought Adjuster. There is every example imaginable of this happening in the face of love, kindness, terrible cruelty and torture, enormous handicap and great wealth. There is no easy formula that you can follow to influence your fellows. You must lead your own personal life as you, in contact with your Adjuster and your own sense of universe message, deem appropriate. You are responsible for yourself while on this planet, and by conducting yourself as Jesus did you will be doing the most that you can do to positively affect this planet and your fellow beings. I know that this is hard for you as it was for me. One asks, "But is there not more that I can do? Please, please tell me where can I spread my wealth? How can I spend my time? Who can I speak to? What can I do? It must be more complicated than that." Well, the material acts of giving, speaking, doing, while well-intentioned are not the way to influence spirit growth and actually are far easier than working on one's self. As you endeavor to lead your life truthfully, kindly, with loving and goodness, your example will be observed by one and all, and your light will be perceived at least by the Thought Adjuster of others, if not by their conscious minds, and there will be a deep awareness of your goodness and your courage and faith. It requires great patience to persevere in this way. Have faith. But consider the lighthouse. It does not go to ships, swim across waves. It faithfully turns. And as the lighthouse mechanism turns, the searchlight flashes across the waters through the air, rendering service to one and all who perceive its brightness. Be like the lighthouse, my dear. Does that help?

A: Exactly. What do you care about sensations you might have dwelt upon at length while you were floating in amniotic fluid? [laughter] (11/13/93)

A: Exactly. What do you care about sensations you might have dwelt upon at length while you were floating in amniotic fluid? [laughter] (11/13/93)

S: Is Prince Melchizedek here today?

S: Is Prince Melchizedek here today?

R: You would be amazed, each of you, to know how far your own personal spiritual work actually goes. There is so much that you touch with each passing moment. It is truly astonishing, truly a chain reaction. The benign contamination of spirit growth is a very fast growing thing, indeed. I shall now bid you farewell, and I shall look forward to seeing you anon. (12/18/93) *********************

R: You would be amazed, each of you, to know how far your own personal spiritual work actually goes. There is so much that you touch with each passing moment. It is truly astonishing, truly a chain reaction. The benign contamination of spirit growth is a very fast growing thing, indeed. I shall now bid you farewell, and I shall look forward to seeing you anon. (12/18/93) *********************

SPIRITUAL LIVING Today we will discuss one facet of the Master's teachings "to be in the world but not of it," - spiritual living. When Michael was incarnate on Urantia as Jesus He had much firsthand experience with this all encompassing concept. As a youth He experienced a conflict between two moral-ethical tenets; the first being to do the will of the Heavenly Father and to reflect the Father's truth to others, to tell the truth - spiritually - versus the injunction to honor His parents and their teaching. This became a conflict of the young Jesus because Mary and Joseph, although not classified as fundamentalist Jews, were nonetheless religious Jews in their day, of their time. Many of their beliefs contradicted the spiritual truths which Jesus became more and more sure of as His Divinity was revealed to Him in His human mind. He experienced a conflict between loyalty to truth and duty to His parents and culture. This would arise on many occasions.

===SPIRITUAL LIVING===

Today we will discuss one facet of the Master's teachings "to be in the world but not of it," - spiritual living. When Michael was incarnate on Urantia as Jesus He had much firsthand experience with this all encompassing concept. As a youth He experienced a conflict between two moral-ethical tenets; the first being to do the will of the Heavenly Father and to reflect the Father's truth to others, to tell the truth - spiritually - versus the injunction to honor His parents and their teaching. This became a conflict of the young Jesus because Mary and Joseph, although not classified as fundamentalist Jews, were nonetheless religious Jews in their day, of their time. Many of their beliefs contradicted the spiritual truths which Jesus became more and more sure of as His Divinity was revealed to Him in His human mind. He experienced a conflict between loyalty to truth and duty to His parents and culture. This would arise on many occasions.

One example being, Mary and Joseph, like most others in their religious culture, believed in a wrathful, judgmental and punishing God. The young Jesus could not accept or endorse this description of His Heavenly Father and many discussions would ensue between Jesus and His parents over this. Consequently, Jesus felt much inner turmoil over which injunction to follow as He perceived them as contradictory. The resolution of this conflict came about in a very perfect way, as the Master would - over and over again in His life - find the perfect solution to what we might think of as an irreconcilable situation. He talked from His heart to His earthly Father, Joseph, and said, "Father, I cannot believe that whatever mistake I make, you would ever withdraw your love, or be angry and punishing towards me and not be able to forgive me." And He said to His earthly Father "therefore, if you yourself could have such love for your child, and such compassion and tolerance for when I make mistakes, how could you not think the Father in heaven, who created this goodness in mankind, could be any less loving, merciful and forgiving?" And Jesus was so sincere when He asked his father these questions that Joseph and Mary never berated Him again about their erroneous concept of God, but rather kept silent and allowed their son His own truth. There were many examples as Jesus grew of the application of "being in the world but not of it" on a day-to-day basis. Because Joseph and Mary were such products of their times, many times Jesus was faced with the knowledge that their practices - religious practices - were not the highest.

One example being, Mary and Joseph, like most others in their religious culture, believed in a wrathful, judgmental and punishing God. The young Jesus could not accept or endorse this description of His Heavenly Father and many discussions would ensue between Jesus and His parents over this. Consequently, Jesus felt much inner turmoil over which injunction to follow as He perceived them as contradictory. The resolution of this conflict came about in a very perfect way, as the Master would - over and over again in His life - find the perfect solution to what we might think of as an irreconcilable situation. He talked from His heart to His earthly Father, Joseph, and said, "Father, I cannot believe that whatever mistake I make, you would ever withdraw your love, or be angry and punishing towards me and not be able to forgive me." And He said to His earthly Father "therefore, if you yourself could have such love for your child, and such compassion and tolerance for when I make mistakes, how could you not think the Father in heaven, who created this goodness in mankind, could be any less loving, merciful and forgiving?" And Jesus was so sincere when He asked his father these questions that Joseph and Mary never berated Him again about their erroneous concept of God, but rather kept silent and allowed their son His own truth. There were many examples as Jesus grew of the application of "being in the world but not of it" on a day-to-day basis. Because Joseph and Mary were such products of their times, many times Jesus was faced with the knowledge that their practices - religious practices - were not the highest.

The point is to care more for another's feeling, to put the needs of your brothers and sisters first. This is an attitude of loving service. As you grow spiritually it will become more habitual or easy for you to strike a balance between conflicting needs. Also, be cautious not to become self-righteous when dealing with organized religion in terms of their belief system. It is arrogant to feel superior when one can never know the faith light that burns within another being. The point is not to discourage, remember. The point is to bring another closer to God. So as you travel through your own life's path, please try to integrate your two assignments, which is to live spiritually and physically in one vessel. And that is the lesson for today. (05/29/93)

The point is to care more for another's feeling, to put the needs of your brothers and sisters first. This is an attitude of loving service. As you grow spiritually it will become more habitual or easy for you to strike a balance between conflicting needs. Also, be cautious not to become self-righteous when dealing with organized religion in terms of their belief system. It is arrogant to feel superior when one can never know the faith light that burns within another being. The point is not to discourage, remember. The point is to bring another closer to God. So as you travel through your own life's path, please try to integrate your two assignments, which is to live spiritually and physically in one vessel. And that is the lesson for today. (05/29/93)

===STILLNESS===

 

STILLNESS

Q: Can you offer a little bit more information regarding the exercise of the stillness, seeking the stillness, what I might do to attain more of that?

Q: Can you offer a little bit more information regarding the exercise of the stillness, seeking the stillness, what I might do to attain more of that?

R: You have made much progress and we are most pleased. You have attracted much interest in your efforts and there are many standing by to help you, for your mission is great. (05/15/93) *********************

R: You have made much progress and we are most pleased. You have attracted much interest in your efforts and there are many standing by to help you, for your mission is great. (05/15/93) *********************

TOLERANCE The lesson today, brothers and sisters of the spirit and flesh, will be a continuation of last session with Mary on love. Today we will examine the rudimentary first action of divine love, which is tolerance. Tolerance is the first outworking of divine love. Many things were given to Urantia with the hope of nurturing tolerance. For example, it was the hope of the life carriers and Creator Son and staff that the experimentation with the varied color races would promote tolerance. It was the object of this experiment. How so? Well, when humans are so different visually, and different in terms of genetic characteristics, tolerance must be learned or there can be no evolution in the spirit. It was the great hope, and mistake, that some day the eight color races would blend and create a world of tolerance and brotherhood. Due to the Adamic default, this failed to occur - or only partially occurred - but we still view it positively in terms of the lessons that you must be challenged with, which are all tolerance lessons. The other design that is not unique to your experimental decimal planet is the family unit. The family unit is the birthplace in essence of the spiritual fruit of tolerance, for a parent cannot be intolerant - or should not be intolerant - of a child, nor a child intolerant of siblings or parents. In order to live together as a family, one must learn tolerance of other's differences, and as Jesus instructed when he was bestowed here, tolerance is really knowledge of others, and a very godly trait. Because to cherish another human means to tolerate them with an air of loving acceptance for wherever they are, for we realize that the human has the spark of divinity and the potential for eternal existence within, and is in fact a child of our Father and a contributor to God the Supreme. So to know a human is to be called upon to practice in life, tolerance. Tolerance is also a fatherly trait. As our Father tolerates our different levels of immaturity, so should we be tolerant toward other mortals or non-material beings whom we either do not fully understand or are less mature than ourselves. In that aspect, tolerance is a more real act, because it is more - it is of survival value in that it reflects divine value. It is a higher value than indifference, annoyance, or hostility. When Jesus taught tolerance - and please refer to page 1773 - He did not teach condoning evil doing, sin, immorality, more primitive base actions, etc. Jesus was not tolerant, and neither is God, of evil. What He did show us is that it is not up to us to judge other

===TOLERANCE===

The lesson today, brothers and sisters of the spirit and flesh, will be a continuation of last session with Mary on love. Today we will examine the rudimentary first action of divine love, which is tolerance. Tolerance is the first outworking of divine love. Many things were given to Urantia with the hope of nurturing tolerance. For example, it was the hope of the life carriers and Creator Son and staff that the experimentation with the varied color races would promote tolerance. It was the object of this experiment. How so? Well, when humans are so different visually, and different in terms of genetic characteristics, tolerance must be learned or there can be no evolution in the spirit. It was the great hope, and mistake, that some day the eight color races would blend and create a world of tolerance and brotherhood. Due to the Adamic default, this failed to occur - or only partially occurred - but we still view it positively in terms of the lessons that you must be challenged with, which are all tolerance lessons. The other design that is not unique to your experimental decimal planet is the family unit. The family unit is the birthplace in essence of the spiritual fruit of tolerance, for a parent cannot be intolerant - or should not be intolerant - of a child, nor a child intolerant of siblings or parents. In order to live together as a family, one must learn tolerance of other's differences, and as Jesus instructed when he was bestowed here, tolerance is really knowledge of others, and a very godly trait. Because to cherish another human means to tolerate them with an air of loving acceptance for wherever they are, for we realize that the human has the spark of divinity and the potential for eternal existence within, and is in fact a child of our Father and a contributor to God the Supreme. So to know a human is to be called upon to practice in life, tolerance. Tolerance is also a fatherly trait. As our Father tolerates our different levels of immaturity, so should we be tolerant toward other mortals or non-material beings whom we either do not fully understand or are less mature than ourselves. In that aspect, tolerance is a more real act, because it is more - it is of survival value in that it reflects divine value. It is a higher value than indifference, annoyance, or hostility. When Jesus taught tolerance - and please refer to page 1773 - He did not teach condoning evil doing, sin, immorality, more primitive base actions, etc. Jesus was not tolerant, and neither is God, of evil. What He did show us is that it is not up to us to judge other

S: "judge not lest ye be judged." But that to create institutions for dealing with evil, or inappropriate criminal, antisocial, etc., behaviour - which is the legal system which on Urantia is still evolving and impartial in terms of justice, but that is justice - is up to the group on the human level. Spiritual justice is up to the Ancients of Days as representatives of the Creator. So tolerance does not condone evil-doing, but neither is it judgmental in terms of the individual actions. Whether we deem it to be evil or not is not up to us. However, Jesus always taught to be active in your passion to reflect divinity rather than to be caught up in fighting evil, for evil of its own accord will fall away and divinity will always endure, so we will put our energies into the good and let evil take care of itself. But we do not tolerate evil. We ignore it, or justly speak for God when we can, and to the best of our partial ability to understand and reflect divinity. Tolerance is one of the fruits of the spirit which all of us should be actively working to manifest in our lives. Especially have modern men made the mistake and reaped the spoiled fruit of intolerance in religious matters. Christianity has been highly intolerant of other belief-faith systems, and as a result has not achieved the first step towards living a truly spiritual life which is the concept of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. They, these religionists, have allowed intolerance to take precedence over the family concept of tolerance. One learns tolerance in the family unit, and then as we grow in maturity and in God, and in faith, and as we exercise our spiritual muscles, the family widens to include the planet of Urantia, and thus the brotherhood of man/ fatherhood of God concept becomes real. Tolerance is necessary for this concept to exist as more than words or a theoretical possibility potential for a future age. It is important for you to grasp that you may live as an individual right now, tolerantly, and as if the rest of Urantia lives the same way. You can live now, globally, as one family, and based on spiritual Father concept, within yourself and in your individual lives. For tolerance - in practice - is always given to another individual. In Practice. One does not tolerate a group of people in your real day-to-day Urantian life; you tolerate individuals. So thus there is no rationalization or excuse, children, for not practicing tolerance, for you have millions of opportunities as you pass by. One of the more threatening aspects of the teachings of Michael, when he incarnated as Jesus, to the established religions - and especially to those of the Jewish faith - was His tolerance. The Jewish tradition was based on some mistaken beliefs of intolerance: revenge, grudges, a lack of sharing of faith concepts, are all aspect of intolerance. And Jesus mightily preached against these lowly-evolved principles, to include a respect and universality, an all-inclusive family of faith believers. This was extremely threatening to the established order and will continue to be so until man steps out of the darkness of divisiveness and into the healing and more real light of brotherhood, understanding and humility. Nathaniel is an interesting example of a human who lives the tolerance ideal. It would be helpful to study Nathaniel and how he incorporated tolerance into his daily affairs. There can be no real divine love and spiritual brotherhood without first, tolerance. That is the first level of love. You may even learn to apply tolerance upward and not just laterally amongst humans. Often, I am sure if you are honest, you will admit your impatience, irritability and lack of understanding of things divine: the mission, the teachers, your angels, etc. How often, children, have you found yourself feeling, thinking, why does this have to be this way? Why do not they show us more? This is intolerance. And you should practice your tolerance skills and muscles also upward with celestial, non-corporeal, morontial beings, for as imperfect and finite mortals you have a lack of understanding of divinely created or non-corporeal eternal, etc., even other ascendent creatures. And this is good for you to realize that your intolerance often keeps you from spiritual ministry and from seeing the gifts that are yours individually in terms of your own spiritual growth, because you are shut down by intolerance. So I ask you to just be aware of your own thoughts in terms of your relationships with beings different from yourself, for this is the very root of tolerance: is that the wider the difference, the greater the need for tolerance. And that is the bridge between beings at every level of your ascension career and even beyond into the Corps of the Finality. Put aside grand plans for instant love of your fellows. Rather, realize that irritation and personality conflict, misunderstanding, frustration, disappointment, are built into the human as part and parcel of growth. But these need not be divisive if one possesses the oil of reconciliation which is tolerance. Tolerance, as so eloquently extended in the Urantia Book, is the earmark of a great soul. With these words I end our formal lesson.

S: "judge not lest ye be judged." But that to create institutions for dealing with evil, or inappropriate criminal, antisocial, etc., behaviour - which is the legal system which on Urantia is still evolving and impartial in terms of justice, but that is justice - is up to the group on the human level. Spiritual justice is up to the Ancients of Days as representatives of the Creator. So tolerance does not condone evil-doing, but neither is it judgmental in terms of the individual actions. Whether we deem it to be evil or not is not up to us. However, Jesus always taught to be active in your passion to reflect divinity rather than to be caught up in fighting evil, for evil of its own accord will fall away and divinity will always endure, so we will put our energies into the good and let evil take care of itself. But we do not tolerate evil. We ignore it, or justly speak for God when we can, and to the best of our partial ability to understand and reflect divinity. Tolerance is one of the fruits of the spirit which all of us should be actively working to manifest in our lives. Especially have modern men made the mistake and reaped the spoiled fruit of intolerance in religious matters. Christianity has been highly intolerant of other belief-faith systems, and as a result has not achieved the first step towards living a truly spiritual life which is the concept of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. They, these religionists, have allowed intolerance to take precedence over the family concept of tolerance. One learns tolerance in the family unit, and then as we grow in maturity and in God, and in faith, and as we exercise our spiritual muscles, the family widens to include the planet of Urantia, and thus the brotherhood of man/ fatherhood of God concept becomes real. Tolerance is necessary for this concept to exist as more than words or a theoretical possibility potential for a future age. It is important for you to grasp that you may live as an individual right now, tolerantly, and as if the rest of Urantia lives the same way. You can live now, globally, as one family, and based on spiritual Father concept, within yourself and in your individual lives. For tolerance - in practice - is always given to another individual. In Practice. One does not tolerate a group of people in your real day-to-day Urantian life; you tolerate individuals. So thus there is no rationalization or excuse, children, for not practicing tolerance, for you have millions of opportunities as you pass by. One of the more threatening aspects of the teachings of Michael, when he incarnated as Jesus, to the established religions - and especially to those of the Jewish faith - was His tolerance. The Jewish tradition was based on some mistaken beliefs of intolerance: revenge, grudges, a lack of sharing of faith concepts, are all aspect of intolerance. And Jesus mightily preached against these lowly-evolved principles, to include a respect and universality, an all-inclusive family of faith believers. This was extremely threatening to the established order and will continue to be so until man steps out of the darkness of divisiveness and into the healing and more real light of brotherhood, understanding and humility. Nathaniel is an interesting example of a human who lives the tolerance ideal. It would be helpful to study Nathaniel and how he incorporated tolerance into his daily affairs. There can be no real divine love and spiritual brotherhood without first, tolerance. That is the first level of love. You may even learn to apply tolerance upward and not just laterally amongst humans. Often, I am sure if you are honest, you will admit your impatience, irritability and lack of understanding of things divine: the mission, the teachers, your angels, etc. How often, children, have you found yourself feeling, thinking, why does this have to be this way? Why do not they show us more? This is intolerance. And you should practice your tolerance skills and muscles also upward with celestial, non-corporeal, morontial beings, for as imperfect and finite mortals you have a lack of understanding of divinely created or non-corporeal eternal, etc., even other ascendent creatures. And this is good for you to realize that your intolerance often keeps you from spiritual ministry and from seeing the gifts that are yours individually in terms of your own spiritual growth, because you are shut down by intolerance. So I ask you to just be aware of your own thoughts in terms of your relationships with beings different from yourself, for this is the very root of tolerance: is that the wider the difference, the greater the need for tolerance. And that is the bridge between beings at every level of your ascension career and even beyond into the Corps of the Finality. Put aside grand plans for instant love of your fellows. Rather, realize that irritation and personality conflict, misunderstanding, frustration, disappointment, are built into the human as part and parcel of growth. But these need not be divisive if one possesses the oil of reconciliation which is tolerance. Tolerance, as so eloquently extended in the Urantia Book, is the earmark of a great soul. With these words I end our formal lesson.

S: It helps a great deal.) (02/28/93)

S: It helps a great deal.) (02/28/93)

===TRUTH===

 

TRUTH

Today's lesson will be the first part of a discourse on the subject of truth. You will notice that our lessons tend to go from very basic principles, progressing up through more complex topics and then back again to basics. And certain basic topics will be handled on numerous occasions as they are of great importance in laying the foundation of future work to be done on Urantia by you and your celestial assistants, such as myself. Truth is on a par with beauty and goodness insofar as spiritual importances, spiritual weight, are concerned. None of these three - truth beauty or goodness - are to be worshiped, for it is only the Father that is worthy of worship. But these three qualities, these three goals, are to be reverenced, to be sought after, to be held in the highest regard, to be in the forefront of your efforts at self mastery and spirit attunement. What is truth not? Truth is not knowledge. Knowledge is based on fact, on science, and is limited by the level of development of your science. Truth is eternal. It stands the test of time. It stand the challenge of question. It is far beyond fact or a set of facts. Truth is also dynamic and growing. It is not static, as are facts. If you would know living truth on Urantia, you could do no better than to study the life of Jesus, for He lived the truth as he knew it. Truth is not always experienced without pain. It is not necessarily painful to countenance truth, but to expect the experience of truth to always and ever be one of pleasure is to not be realistic. There is some consolation to be drawn from knowing that for most, if not all of you present here today, the pain sometimes experienced with truth will probably be most severe in your present material state, and will diminish as you progress Paradise-ward. Like so many higher values, truth can be recognized in part by what it is not, in part by the manner in which it resists attempts at invalidation, and the manner in which it persists over time. It has been said that the argument required is inversely proportional to the amount of truth contained in a given statement.

Today's lesson will be the first part of a discourse on the subject of truth. You will notice that our lessons tend to go from very basic principles, progressing up through more complex topics and then back again to basics. And certain basic topics will be handled on numerous occasions as they are of great importance in laying the foundation of future work to be done on Urantia by you and your celestial assistants, such as myself. Truth is on a par with beauty and goodness insofar as spiritual importances, spiritual weight, are concerned. None of these three - truth beauty or goodness - are to be worshiped, for it is only the Father that is worthy of worship. But these three qualities, these three goals, are to be reverenced, to be sought after, to be held in the highest regard, to be in the forefront of your efforts at self mastery and spirit attunement. What is truth not? Truth is not knowledge. Knowledge is based on fact, on science, and is limited by the level of development of your science. Truth is eternal. It stands the test of time. It stand the challenge of question. It is far beyond fact or a set of facts. Truth is also dynamic and growing. It is not static, as are facts. If you would know living truth on Urantia, you could do no better than to study the life of Jesus, for He lived the truth as he knew it. Truth is not always experienced without pain. It is not necessarily painful to countenance truth, but to expect the experience of truth to always and ever be one of pleasure is to not be realistic. There is some consolation to be drawn from knowing that for most, if not all of you present here today, the pain sometimes experienced with truth will probably be most severe in your present material state, and will diminish as you progress Paradise-ward. Like so many higher values, truth can be recognized in part by what it is not, in part by the manner in which it resists attempts at invalidation, and the manner in which it persists over time. It has been said that the argument required is inversely proportional to the amount of truth contained in a given statement.

This first small lesson on truth is meant to be more in the nature of an introduction. I wish you to - each of you - undertake some study of truth before our next lesson. You will find many passages in The Urantia Book to be most helpful. In particular there is a section on truth and faith that will be quite instructive and will provide much material for discussion. Therefore, I conclude this lesson now, and am available for comments and questions. (04/18/93)

This first small lesson on truth is meant to be more in the nature of an introduction. I wish you to - each of you - undertake some study of truth before our next lesson. You will find many passages in The Urantia Book to be most helpful. In particular there is a section on truth and faith that will be quite instructive and will provide much material for discussion. Therefore, I conclude this lesson now, and am available for comments and questions. (04/18/93)

Today we shall continue with discussion of truth that was begun some weeks ago. Understanding truth is a major important goal of your ongoing efforts at spiritual growth - spirit attainment. What you gain in understanding of truth during this material life is only the beginning of an eternal learning experience. Each step of your journey toward the Father in paradise will bring increasing discernment of truth. This is because truth is intertwined with a number of other spiritual capabilities, especially faith and goodness - also the attainment of wisdom and a number of other aspects of God consciousness. The greatest truth that ever existed on Urantia was the human life of Michael of Nebadon. His life was all about truth, for you see truth is a dynamic entity. Truth is to be had through action, unlike wisdom, unlike so many other portions of your soul growth. To experience truth, and indeed to grow in truth, requires that one be active, active among the community of one's fellows. In fact it could be said that truth and real fellowship do go hand in hand.

Today we shall continue with discussion of truth that was begun some weeks ago. Understanding truth is a major important goal of your ongoing efforts at spiritual growth - spirit attainment. What you gain in understanding of truth during this material life is only the beginning of an eternal learning experience. Each step of your journey toward the Father in paradise will bring increasing discernment of truth. This is because truth is intertwined with a number of other spiritual capabilities, especially faith and goodness - also the attainment of wisdom and a number of other aspects of God consciousness. The greatest truth that ever existed on Urantia was the human life of Michael of Nebadon. His life was all about truth, for you see truth is a dynamic entity. Truth is to be had through action, unlike wisdom, unlike so many other portions of your soul growth. To experience truth, and indeed to grow in truth, requires that one be active, active among the community of one's fellows. In fact it could be said that truth and real fellowship do go hand in hand.

All of those present today affirm this great love that we have for you that we send from our Father above. The things that you seek - truth, beauty, goodness, love - the workings of the Father, himself, abound, even on Urantia with all of its problems. They are there for the taking. And you - each of you - knows within yourselves how to go about doing that. It is the most joyous work that you ever shall undertake, the most thrilling, the most freeing. For as you seek after, entertain, truth the fetters of your animal origins will slowly but surely fall away, and you shall have less of fear, less of anger, less of pride, less of enslavement to cultural teachings - recent and past - that would hold you back from personal growth and spirit attainment. As these burdens fall away one by one, you will experience an incomparable sense of lightness that will fill your hearts with joy, a joy which will be perceived by your fellows - a true light within - and this, my much beloved children, is one of the first steps from here toward the final attainment of light and life on Urantia. Your personal courage, steadfastness, and love, and faith, will help to take not only your living fellows today, but the unborn children of generations hence, out of the present darkness towards the bright future that awaits. Work on the attainment of truth, the acting out of the will of the Father. Be of good faith. Be of good cheer. Working on the stillness will help. For those of you who have difficulty with the stillness it may be instructive to study the life of Jesus of Nazareth as a living example of truth. Truth is contagious in a most wonderful way, as are all of your spiritual assets. A small contagion at first, but as it grows the infection spreads. 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)

All of those present today affirm this great love that we have for you that we send from our Father above. The things that you seek - truth, beauty, goodness, love - the workings of the Father, himself, abound, even on Urantia with all of its problems. They are there for the taking. And you - each of you - knows within yourselves how to go about doing that. It is the most joyous work that you ever shall undertake, the most thrilling, the most freeing. For as you seek after, entertain, truth the fetters of your animal origins will slowly but surely fall away, and you shall have less of fear, less of anger, less of pride, less of enslavement to cultural teachings - recent and past - that would hold you back from personal growth and spirit attainment. As these burdens fall away one by one, you will experience an incomparable sense of lightness that will fill your hearts with joy, a joy which will be perceived by your fellows - a true light within - and this, my much beloved children, is one of the first steps from here toward the final attainment of light and life on Urantia. Your personal courage, steadfastness, and love, and faith, will help to take not only your living fellows today, but the unborn children of generations hence, out of the present darkness towards the bright future that awaits. Work on the attainment of truth, the acting out of the will of the Father. Be of good faith. Be of good cheer. Working on the stillness will help. For those of you who have difficulty with the stillness it may be instructive to study the life of Jesus of Nazareth as a living example of truth. Truth is contagious in a most wonderful way, as are all of your spiritual assets. A small contagion at first, but as it grows the infection spreads. 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)

===INTERACTION OF TRUTH, GOODNESS, AND KINDNESS===

 

The Interaction of Truth, Goodness, 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 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. Truth. It has been said by your philosopher that the honest man, the truly honest man, continuously runs risk of life and limb. Why should this be when truth is such an essential ingredient of spirit growth and Father nearness? To the contrary it would be expected that the honest man would be exalted in society, much treasured. But indeed he who is honest without remitting will definitely have much difficulty in managing social relations on Urantia as it stands now. For the honest man causes pain among his fellows in at least two different ways. By being honest he serves as a reminder to others who are sensitive in this regard of their own lack of complete honesty.

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 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. Truth. It has been said by your philosopher that the honest man, the truly honest man, continuously runs risk of life and limb. Why should this be when truth is such an essential ingredient of spirit growth and Father nearness? To the contrary it would be expected that the honest man would be exalted in society, much treasured. But indeed he who is honest without remitting will definitely have much difficulty in managing social relations on Urantia as it stands now. For the honest man causes pain among his fellows in at least two different ways. By being honest he serves as a reminder to others who are sensitive in this regard of their own lack of complete honesty.

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

R: Yes. (12/18/93) See also 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?