Changes

===TR: [[Unknown]]===

===TR: [[Unknown]]===

==Session 1==

==Session 1==

09/04/92 Upon visit by [http://www.blogtalkradio.com/symmetryofsoul/2011/08/10/a-lifes-journey-with-the-urantia-book-charles-montgomery Chick Montgomery] to the [[Tallahassee TeaM|Tallahassee group]].

09/04/92 Upon visit by [https://www.blogtalkradio.com/symmetryofsoul/2011/08/10/a-lifes-journey-with-the-urantia-book-charles-montgomery Chick Montgomery] to the [[Tallahassee TeaM|Tallahassee group]].

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

We are [[gratified]] to see that the [[transmitters]] [[perceive]] this [[phenomenon]] and seek to avoid cultivating the [[devotion]] of their [[companions]] through the use of undue [[influence]]. [[Simultaneous]] with this gratification, however, we also note with dismay that it is common for the [[transmitters]] to attempt to distance themselves from the celestial [[teachers]], primarily through non-cooperation in our [[fundamental]] recommendations for continued [[individual]] [[spiritual progress]] -- daily [[silent]] prayerful [[communication]] with the [[Heavenly Father]], and candid forthright [[interaction]] with the earth [[brothers and sisters]] of the [[material]] world experience. They forgo their own [[spiritual development]]s in a [[sincere]] attempt to avoid misleading their fellows. This situation mixes elements of both [[tragic]] and [[noble]] conduct, and evinces concern and [[respect]] for the sovereignty of others. You can only guess at our [[reaction]] to these [[developments]].

We are [[gratified]] to see that the [[transmitters]] [[perceive]] this [[phenomenon]] and seek to avoid cultivating the [[devotion]] of their [[companions]] through the use of undue [[influence]]. [[Simultaneous]] with this gratification, however, we also note with dismay that it is common for the [[transmitters]] to attempt to distance themselves from the celestial [[teachers]], primarily through non-cooperation in our [[fundamental]] recommendations for continued [[individual]] [[spiritual progress]] -- daily [[silent]] prayerful [[communication]] with the [[Heavenly Father]], and candid forthright [[interaction]] with the earth [[brothers and sisters]] of the [[material]] world experience. They forgo their own [[spiritual development]]s in a [[sincere]] attempt to avoid misleading their fellows. This situation mixes elements of both [[tragic]] and [[noble]] conduct, and evinces concern and [[respect]] for the sovereignty of others. You can only guess at our [[reaction]] to these [[developments]].

This situation is [[noble]] for it indicates that -- even in the North American [[obsessive]] [http://www.anus.com/zine/articles/prozak/individualism/ individuality cult] -- there is a marked preference for [[brotherhood]] as [[equals]]. It is [[tragic]] because the [[perception]] that [[transmitters]] possess some special [[spiritual]] [[quality]] is itself invalid. There is no [[difference]] whatever between the [[teacher]] group member who provides us with transmission [[service]] and any other group member, other than the [[normal]] variation found in any comparable [[random]] assembly of humans. [[Ability]] to channel or [[transmit]] this teaching indicates nothing other than that [[fact]] itself. We have frequently said, apparently without [[effect]], that the reason that certain persons can deliver this message is brutally [[simple]] -- because they can. There is no deeper [[meaning]]. The [[transmitters]] possess no special [[spiritual]] [[power]] that qualifies them for [[service]]. They are qualified by only two elements: they are capable of the [[activity]], and they are willing to serve. In all other respects, they are just as thick-headed, truculent, [[selfish]], sullen, resentful, and controlled by their [[animal]] natures as their [[companions]], but we see [[potential]] in them, just as we see potential in all [[seekers]].

This situation is [[noble]] for it indicates that -- even in the North American [[obsessive]] [https://www.anus.com/zine/articles/prozak/individualism/ individuality cult] -- there is a marked preference for [[brotherhood]] as [[equals]]. It is [[tragic]] because the [[perception]] that [[transmitters]] possess some special [[spiritual]] [[quality]] is itself invalid. There is no [[difference]] whatever between the [[teacher]] group member who provides us with transmission [[service]] and any other group member, other than the [[normal]] variation found in any comparable [[random]] assembly of humans. [[Ability]] to channel or [[transmit]] this teaching indicates nothing other than that [[fact]] itself. We have frequently said, apparently without [[effect]], that the reason that certain persons can deliver this message is brutally [[simple]] -- because they can. There is no deeper [[meaning]]. The [[transmitters]] possess no special [[spiritual]] [[power]] that qualifies them for [[service]]. They are qualified by only two elements: they are capable of the [[activity]], and they are willing to serve. In all other respects, they are just as thick-headed, truculent, [[selfish]], sullen, resentful, and controlled by their [[animal]] natures as their [[companions]], but we see [[potential]] in them, just as we see potential in all [[seekers]].

Our response to this situation is straightforward. We have recently attempted to provide for a minimum of [[two]] [[persons]] in each [[TeaM|teacher group]], capable of delivering our teachings. [[Experiments]] involving substantially more than two transmitters have proved unwieldy in that regard, producing as many [[problems]] to be overcome as solutions.

Our response to this situation is straightforward. We have recently attempted to provide for a minimum of [[two]] [[persons]] in each [[TeaM|teacher group]], capable of delivering our teachings. [[Experiments]] involving substantially more than two transmitters have proved unwieldy in that regard, producing as many [[problems]] to be overcome as solutions.

For those [[transmitters]] who presently work without human [[partnership]], Hang on. We know how [[difficult]] it is to labor [[alone]], even in the most uplifting [[cause]]. I speak from [[personal]] [[experience]]. I am [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], and I spent some years among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic_people Semitic tribes], teaching and ministering among the people. The [[fact]] of [[alone]]-ness is a great [[trial]]; [[witness]] the [[desire]] for human [[companionship]] even across [[social]], [[racial]], [[language]], and [[economic]] [[barriers]]. I think you are all up to it. Keep up the [[good]] [[work]], and do not neglect your own house. You are not personally [[responsible]] for all that goes on. The world was [[purposely]] made large, to disabuse you of this very notion. For you to [[persist]] is to indulge a human fancy that [[contributes]] not to the [[path]]. We thank you for your [[service]], which is seen in [[heaven]].

For those [[transmitters]] who presently work without human [[partnership]], Hang on. We know how [[difficult]] it is to labor [[alone]], even in the most uplifting [[cause]]. I speak from [[personal]] [[experience]]. I am [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], and I spent some years among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic_people Semitic tribes], teaching and ministering among the people. The [[fact]] of [[alone]]-ness is a great [[trial]]; [[witness]] the [[desire]] for human [[companionship]] even across [[social]], [[racial]], [[language]], and [[economic]] [[barriers]]. I think you are all up to it. Keep up the [[good]] [[work]], and do not neglect your own house. You are not personally [[responsible]] for all that goes on. The world was [[purposely]] made large, to disabuse you of this very notion. For you to [[persist]] is to indulge a human fancy that [[contributes]] not to the [[path]]. We thank you for your [[service]], which is seen in [[heaven]].

[[Shalom]].

[[Shalom]].

CHICK: In choosing the higher [[path]], the path with [[heart]], the path untrodden, are there additional [[signposts]] you can provide to help us [[discern]] when that path is right? And when that path may be a [[dangerous]] path or an [[ego]] path?

CHICK: In choosing the higher [[path]], the path with [[heart]], the path untrodden, are there additional [[signposts]] you can provide to help us [[discern]] when that path is right? And when that path may be a [[dangerous]] path or an [[ego]] path?

WILL: In the [[oceans]] of [[your planet]], until just a few years ago your [[scientists]] thought that there were a handful of deep [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_currents ocean currents] which [[flowed]] in a regular fashion. For example, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_stream Gulf stream] current which circulates the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico Gulf of Mexico] in a clockwise fashion and then turns back upon itself to [[flow]] northward along the North American coastline thence across south of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland Greenland] past [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles British Isles]. However, recent advances in both [[thinking]] and measuring equipment have proved that this [[model]] was overly [[simplistic]]. While the [[original]] [[idea]] was correct, the [[ocean]] is not a homogeneous place. This [[discovery]] was principally logged by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine submarine] services of your [[military]] organizations who noted [[temperature]] oriented strata called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoclines thermoclines] which were bodies of [[water]] at a certain temperature which [[flowed]] in a certain [[direction]] and were identifiable discrete [[units]] of water movement within the greater [[ocean]]. I use this detail to [[illustrate]] my answer to your [[question]]. Certain [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoclines thermoclines] travel in one [[direction]]; the one [[immediately]] [[adjacent]] to it, the one below or above may travel in a complete other [[direction]]. Now, when you are walking forward in [[faith]], you are traveling in the right [[direction]] by [[definition]]. It is as if you are traveling as part of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocline thermocline]. There are boundaries of your [[latitude]] and when you pass through the boundary you will begin to encounter [[resistance]]. You are able to [[feel]] that suddenly the [[flow]] is no longer with you. Does that help?

WILL: In the [[oceans]] of [[your planet]], until just a few years ago your [[scientists]] thought that there were a handful of deep [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_currents ocean currents] which [[flowed]] in a regular fashion. For example, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_stream Gulf stream] current which circulates the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico Gulf of Mexico] in a clockwise fashion and then turns back upon itself to [[flow]] northward along the North American coastline thence across south of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland Greenland] past [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles British Isles]. However, recent advances in both [[thinking]] and measuring equipment have proved that this [[model]] was overly [[simplistic]]. While the [[original]] [[idea]] was correct, the [[ocean]] is not a homogeneous place. This [[discovery]] was principally logged by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine submarine] services of your [[military]] organizations who noted [[temperature]] oriented strata called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoclines thermoclines] which were bodies of [[water]] at a certain temperature which [[flowed]] in a certain [[direction]] and were identifiable discrete [[units]] of water movement within the greater [[ocean]]. I use this detail to [[illustrate]] my answer to your [[question]]. Certain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoclines thermoclines] travel in one [[direction]]; the one [[immediately]] [[adjacent]] to it, the one below or above may travel in a complete other [[direction]]. Now, when you are walking forward in [[faith]], you are traveling in the right [[direction]] by [[definition]]. It is as if you are traveling as part of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocline thermocline]. There are boundaries of your [[latitude]] and when you pass through the boundary you will begin to encounter [[resistance]]. You are able to [[feel]] that suddenly the [[flow]] is no longer with you. Does that help?

CHICK: That is a [[beautiful]] [[analogy]]. Can we move from one [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocline thermocline] to a more elevated one and find a different [[direction]] that is apparently in [[conflict]] with our previous [[flow]] which is, in [[fact]], the higher will of [[God]]?

CHICK: That is a [[beautiful]] [[analogy]]. Can we move from one [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermocline thermocline] to a more elevated one and find a different [[direction]] that is apparently in [[conflict]] with our previous [[flow]] which is, in [[fact]], the higher will of [[God]]?

WILL: The general answer is yes. I will have to [[reflect]] before I can answer more specifically. [pause] We will say that, as a general rule, encountering [[spiritual]] [[resistance]], most particularly a sudden [[evacuation]] of [[faith]] [[assuredness]], is a definite [[warning]] sign that you have transgressed the border. What you [[choose]] to do at that time is within the realm of [[human]] will. You might, for example, in the [[simplest]] scenario elect to return or you might [[adapt]] yourself to the new situation. That is an area within the [[individual]]'s discretion. So long as you are conducting yourself with proper [[mind]], you are [[relatively]] safe. Each of you already knows this. Next question.

WILL: The general answer is yes. I will have to [[reflect]] before I can answer more specifically. [pause] We will say that, as a general rule, encountering [[spiritual]] [[resistance]], most particularly a sudden [[evacuation]] of [[faith]] [[assuredness]], is a definite [[warning]] sign that you have transgressed the border. What you [[choose]] to do at that time is within the realm of [[human]] will. You might, for example, in the [[simplest]] scenario elect to return or you might [[adapt]] yourself to the new situation. That is an area within the [[individual]]'s discretion. So long as you are conducting yourself with proper [[mind]], you are [[relatively]] safe. Each of you already knows this. Next question.

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

===='''''[[Faith]]'''''====

===='''''[[Faith]]'''''====

WILL: It is always a [[pleasure]] to meet with this [[group]]. Even more so now that we have [[developed]] some [[history]] and come in some [[degree]] to know one another even amongst ourselves. It is apparent that [[the Father]] has willed that we shall assemble our lives, in this particularly our [[spiritual]] lives, from a vast array of [[experiences]] which He has thoughtfully provided for us. It is [[difficult]] sometimes to know how to incorporate such [different] [[experiences]] into a useful whole. Often it does not appear that there is a [[consistent]] [[theme]], at least, a recognizable consistent theme. Whenever it seems that our un-connectable [[experiences]] cannot be assembled in any [[meaningful]] way, I would like to [[think]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph%27s_coat Joseph's coat]. Where with loving [[kindness]] and thoughtfulness towards the end product, the odd bits and pieces, the snatches of [[fabric]] found upon the thorns, the dust rags, the castaways, and the rare bits of [[jeweled]] cloth were assembled lovingly into a whole that was stunning to behold. I [[think]] that with some [[examination]] you will find that it is possible for each of you to make just such a coat. A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph%27s_coat coat of many colors]. It is a special garment. Whenever you [[think]] to wear it, you will feel the [[heavenly]] [[attention]] directed upon you. The [[fact]] that most recommends this [[technique]] of assembly, no [[pattern]] is [[necessary]]. It solves itself. The fit is always custom and the wearer is always [[bold]], noticeable, set out from his or her fellows, noteworthy, [[unique]], and filled with [[faith]], not this thin shallow faith of the [[mind]], not the faith of fondly cherished [[principles]], not the [[hopeful]] faith in the great scorekeeper in the sky, or the universal rescuer. None of the kind of [[faith]] of the owner of such a garment would possess.

WILL: It is always a [[pleasure]] to meet with this [[group]]. Even more so now that we have [[developed]] some [[history]] and come in some [[degree]] to know one another even amongst ourselves. It is apparent that [[the Father]] has willed that we shall assemble our lives, in this particularly our [[spiritual]] lives, from a vast array of [[experiences]] which He has thoughtfully provided for us. It is [[difficult]] sometimes to know how to incorporate such [different] [[experiences]] into a useful whole. Often it does not appear that there is a [[consistent]] [[theme]], at least, a recognizable consistent theme. Whenever it seems that our un-connectable [[experiences]] cannot be assembled in any [[meaningful]] way, I would like to [[think]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph%27s_coat Joseph's coat]. Where with loving [[kindness]] and thoughtfulness towards the end product, the odd bits and pieces, the snatches of [[fabric]] found upon the thorns, the dust rags, the castaways, and the rare bits of [[jeweled]] cloth were assembled lovingly into a whole that was stunning to behold. I [[think]] that with some [[examination]] you will find that it is possible for each of you to make just such a coat. A [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph%27s_coat coat of many colors]. It is a special garment. Whenever you [[think]] to wear it, you will feel the [[heavenly]] [[attention]] directed upon you. The [[fact]] that most recommends this [[technique]] of assembly, no [[pattern]] is [[necessary]]. It solves itself. The fit is always custom and the wearer is always [[bold]], noticeable, set out from his or her fellows, noteworthy, [[unique]], and filled with [[faith]], not this thin shallow faith of the [[mind]], not the faith of fondly cherished [[principles]], not the [[hopeful]] faith in the great scorekeeper in the sky, or the universal rescuer. None of the kind of [[faith]] of the owner of such a garment would possess.

The kind of [[faith]] that the owner of such a garment would possess would be the [[type]] of faith that allows the wearer to openly solicit [[attention]]. A [[person]] whose every [[action]], whose very clothing says to the world, "My feet are on the right [[path]]. Come and walk with me a ways". The [[faith]] that such a [[person]] possesses is [[strong]] enough to see him or her through the times of [[aloneness]] and [[intellectual]] [[doubts]], [[ego]] [[inspired]] objections and the occasional [[scorn]] of [[companions]] in the life [[experience]], but that garment made up of bits and pieces feels like a kind of [[armor]]. It does not weigh much. Only [[good]] [[ideas]] [[penetrate]] it. In fact it is a [[magnet]] for continually better [[thoughts]] and [[appreciations]]. The [[person]] with the [[faith]] of many [[colors]] like this is capable of honestly meeting all comers. The owner of such a garment should be somewhat familiar with [[different]] kinds of life [[experiences]] that other people have and is capable of [[encouraging]] the other person's [[understanding]] upward with ever a [[mind]] towards [[God]]. You will [[attract]] people's [[attention]]. They will want to know, where did you find something like this? Where do you have the nerve to wear this? They will admire you or even if they do not admire you, they will certainly be [[fascinated]] and they will [[wonder]] what it is that [[motivates]] you. You can answer their [[questions]] in a single word. Say it is easy: [[faith]]. That kind of living always [[breathing]] [[faith]] inspires [[confidence]] in all who encounter it. It is one of the [[forces]] loose in the world, not recognized by many, but you yourselves know the [[power]] it has. It is a [[magnet]] that people cannot [[resist]]. Knowing nothing else about you, they will [[wonder]] what it is that makes you so special.

The kind of [[faith]] that the owner of such a garment would possess would be the [[type]] of faith that allows the wearer to openly solicit [[attention]]. A [[person]] whose every [[action]], whose very clothing says to the world, "My feet are on the right [[path]]. Come and walk with me a ways". The [[faith]] that such a [[person]] possesses is [[strong]] enough to see him or her through the times of [[aloneness]] and [[intellectual]] [[doubts]], [[ego]] [[inspired]] objections and the occasional [[scorn]] of [[companions]] in the life [[experience]], but that garment made up of bits and pieces feels like a kind of [[armor]]. It does not weigh much. Only [[good]] [[ideas]] [[penetrate]] it. In fact it is a [[magnet]] for continually better [[thoughts]] and [[appreciations]]. The [[person]] with the [[faith]] of many [[colors]] like this is capable of honestly meeting all comers. The owner of such a garment should be somewhat familiar with [[different]] kinds of life [[experiences]] that other people have and is capable of [[encouraging]] the other person's [[understanding]] upward with ever a [[mind]] towards [[God]]. You will [[attract]] people's [[attention]]. They will want to know, where did you find something like this? Where do you have the nerve to wear this? They will admire you or even if they do not admire you, they will certainly be [[fascinated]] and they will [[wonder]] what it is that [[motivates]] you. You can answer their [[questions]] in a single word. Say it is easy: [[faith]]. That kind of living always [[breathing]] [[faith]] inspires [[confidence]] in all who encounter it. It is one of the [[forces]] loose in the world, not recognized by many, but you yourselves know the [[power]] it has. It is a [[magnet]] that people cannot [[resist]]. Knowing nothing else about you, they will [[wonder]] what it is that makes you so special.

Attempts at [[self]] [[perfection]] on [[your planet]] I think basically fall into [[three]] categories. Those which attempt to reach [[perfection]] through exterior [[behavioral]] [[modification]]. At the [[opposite]] [[extreme]] those which attempt to [[purify]] [[thoughts]]. You might call it the "thought police" approach and third, of course, those which use some of both [[techniques]].

Attempts at [[self]] [[perfection]] on [[your planet]] I think basically fall into [[three]] categories. Those which attempt to reach [[perfection]] through exterior [[behavioral]] [[modification]]. At the [[opposite]] [[extreme]] those which attempt to [[purify]] [[thoughts]]. You might call it the "thought police" approach and third, of course, those which use some of both [[techniques]].

Probably the best example of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior_modification behavioral modification] widespread among people all over [[your planet]] is the [[experience]] of [[military]] service where human [[physical]] [[appearance]] and individuality is caused to [[conform]] to a recommended [[ideal]] which is [[thought]] to render the human malleable and more likely to entertain delivery of the [[desired]] [[service]]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought_police thought policing] [[methods]] are probably best exemplified by the [[monastic]] orders which [[saturate]] the targeted [[individual]] in an atmosphere where his or her mental capacities are completely taken up with the concerns of the teachings of the [[group]] in [[isolation]] from all worldly [[temptation]].

Probably the best example of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior_modification behavioral modification] widespread among people all over [[your planet]] is the [[experience]] of [[military]] service where human [[physical]] [[appearance]] and individuality is caused to [[conform]] to a recommended [[ideal]] which is [[thought]] to render the human malleable and more likely to entertain delivery of the [[desired]] [[service]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought_police thought policing] [[methods]] are probably best exemplified by the [[monastic]] orders which [[saturate]] the targeted [[individual]] in an atmosphere where his or her mental capacities are completely taken up with the concerns of the teachings of the [[group]] in [[isolation]] from all worldly [[temptation]].

I think you can see where I am going with this. We will [[practice]] the in between [[method]] if it is all right with you. [[Extremes]] are not recommended for productive [[spiritual growth]]. But I will say that of the two [[methods]], I think we shall [[concentrate]] the more heavily upon perfecting ourselves from the inside out. For what we are about, what our proper [[goals]] shall be, is not to [[change]] the world upon which we live, or our [[society]], or even to [[influence]] the [[sanctity]] of our own [[homes]]. What we are about as an assemblage of [[individuals]] dedicated towards [[spiritual progress]] is perfecting ourselves so that we are one day [[worthy]] to stand in the place of the [[Universal Father]] and meet Him [[personality]] to personality. This [[goal]] cannot be gotten to by works.

I think you can see where I am going with this. We will [[practice]] the in between [[method]] if it is all right with you. [[Extremes]] are not recommended for productive [[spiritual growth]]. But I will say that of the two [[methods]], I think we shall [[concentrate]] the more heavily upon perfecting ourselves from the inside out. For what we are about, what our proper [[goals]] shall be, is not to [[change]] the world upon which we live, or our [[society]], or even to [[influence]] the [[sanctity]] of our own [[homes]]. What we are about as an assemblage of [[individuals]] dedicated towards [[spiritual progress]] is perfecting ourselves so that we are one day [[worthy]] to stand in the place of the [[Universal Father]] and meet Him [[personality]] to personality. This [[goal]] cannot be gotten to by works.