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[[Image:lighterstill.jpg]] [[File:Teaching_buddha_small.jpg|right|frame]] ==Heading== ===Topic: ''Striving Toward Perfection''=== ===Group: [[Woods Cross TeaM]]=== ==Facilitators== ===Teacher: [[Abraham]]=== ===TR: [[Nina]]=== ==Session== ===Opening=== I am ABRAHAM. Greetings. Your [[compassion]] is truly [[touching]]. Your lives have not only become entwined in this small group here, but also for [[individuals]] who live around the world. Believe me, your concern is a commonality throughout believers all over [[this world]] and beyond. Your loving [[thoughts]] are certainly felt and do create an energetic [[action]]. ===Lesson=== How wonderful it is to be among individuals who are not solely driven by [[emotion]], but engage in intelligent solutions to much larger [[difficulties]] outside of their own environment. Although certain issues may weigh heavy on some of your [[minds]], I am also recognizing that refreshed childlike [[attitude]] to be present. In that frame of mind there is so much more [[freedom]] to go farther than you might think possible. Last week we [[discussed]] the [[burden]] of striving in the mortal world and how this can lead to imbalance. In that childlike frame of mind we are in a state of [[listening]] and striving [[to do Father's will]]. I do realize striving for a spiritual life while in the flesh can lead to an over striving to become [[perfect]]. Many seekers of [[spirituality]] believe that each day they are [[becoming]] more and more perfected. While this is true to a point, there are natural setbacks, there are mistakes. This is perfectly natural. However, we find that there is some serious self-[[disappointed]] individuals that become quite discouraged in striving to live a spiritual life. This is in part why everyday [[organized religion]] is not lasting. The [[churches]] set the standards of [[perfection]] and there many times is little room for mistakes. Some organized religions would have you go against your natural human tendencies for the sake of grasping at [[salvation]]. Most of these standards are [[erroneous]] and tend to lead individuals to hopelessness, that they will never be [[worthy]] of God's love or a place in [[the Kingdom]]. This [[dilemma]] we are finding among some of our students who feel they fall short of the spiritual mark. There is more self-[[chastisement]] than self-[[understanding]] or allowance for mistakes. The [[desire]] to strive toward [[perfection]] is [[inherent]] in most mortals, no doubt, but when the bar seems to be set a bit too high there is [[disappointment]], leading to hopelessness and an [[attitude]] of 'why try.' This is verging into the territory of the [[ego]]. The ego wants to view itself as perfect, even superior to others. It does not make room or understand mistakes or [[fallibility]]. The ego in part would have you hide or deny any wrongdoing, even though it may appear to be [[innocent]]. Why do we strive for [[perfection]]? Said Jesus, "Be you perfect even as my Father in Heaven is." This was not said to [[guilt]] individuals into doing right, no. This was not to be a constant reminder of how you are imperfect, no. [[The Master]] spoke to the individuals of that day and age in a [[language]] they could understand. The Master does ask us to strive toward [[perfection]], but you are not there now, but there is allowance for mistakes and this most all the time leads to [[growth]]. You may make mistakes. You may even feel some self-[[disappointment]], but the child of God [[realizes]] their Father is a loving God and does not seek to condemn you for your wrongdoing, no. He seeks to aid you in your growth. He seeks to lovingly correct. He seeks for you to turn to Him to build that bond between Parent and child. In all your imperfection be not discouraged, as if you cannot be taught or are hopeless and allow that [[ego]] to cover over mistakes with [[denial]]. The [[Correcting Time]] does not ask that you be [[perfect]], no. It does not seek to burden you with an increased self-unworthiness. [[The Father]] and His universe is completely safe to make mistakes. Do not feel your self-[[disappointments]] through the ego, but through that child of God self. The ego brings guilt that pushes you from God, that makes you hide from Him, as if He will certainly punish you harshly. The [[child of God]] fears not facing His Father face to face in hopes of receiving loving [[correction]] and encouragement that he is still [[worthy]], he is still loved, he is still the Father's child. Many of you as children were harshly [[condemned]] for even the most simple [[mistakes]] and naturally you did not like the [[repercussion]] therefrom, no. Harsh punishment only leads to hiding or keeping mistakes [[secret]]. This harsh punishment made the child feel a sense of love loss. Would this lead to encouraging the child to strive toward being [[enlightened]], to make correction, to attain [[growth]]? Would [[the Father]] in whom you have [[dedicated]] your lives to lead you down a [[negative]] path to self-correction? No. Father is like a loving friend who stands side-by-side with you as an ally, not to [[condemn]] or even keep you [[humble]] so that you may better [[listen]] to Him. This week [[journal]] your [[thoughts]] on what entails a perfected life. Are you free enough to strive for this or are you bound by [[feelings]] of a hopeless inadequate self? Contemplate the power of the [[Spirit of Truth]]. In all His power He definitely works gently to naturally bring light into the [[darkness]], yes. ===Closing=== No questions this evening. We have a great deal of work ahead of us, children. We definitely need to find the [[courage]] to be [[persistent]] even in our imperfection. We always are making [[effort]] to attain [[self-mastery]]. Be encouraged that you have the help of an entire universe. My [[love]] is with you always. Go in peace. Until next week, [[shalom]]. [[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]] [[Category: Woods Cross TeaM]] [[Category: Abraham]] [[Category: Nina]] [[Category: Perfection]] [[Category: Aspiration]] [[Category: 2002]]

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