Changes

As far as your second question regarding menial [[service]] and menial people, you correctly [[understand]] that God does not regard any of His children as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menial menial]. He is not even [[disappointed]] as a human [[father]] might be when time-related [[performance]] appears to be deficient. His [[love]] shines forth everlasting, without pause, and the good child of God knows when he has acted well and in [[accord]] with His Father's wishes because it is [[inherent]] in [[the cosmos]] that by behaving in accord with Father's wishes, you draw closer to [[the Father|Father]]. And that is a more rewarding [[experience]] than any other could possibly be. So the one that may be called, in [[human]] terms, a "menial person" might, in [[spiritual]] terms, be seen as one who is somewhat less close to God. Does that answer your question? (S: Perfectly.) (01/02/94)

As far as your second question regarding menial [[service]] and menial people, you correctly [[understand]] that God does not regard any of His children as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menial menial]. He is not even [[disappointed]] as a human [[father]] might be when time-related [[performance]] appears to be deficient. His [[love]] shines forth everlasting, without pause, and the good child of God knows when he has acted well and in [[accord]] with His Father's wishes because it is [[inherent]] in [[the cosmos]] that by behaving in accord with Father's wishes, you draw closer to [[the Father|Father]]. And that is a more rewarding [[experience]] than any other could possibly be. So the one that may be called, in [[human]] terms, a "menial person" might, in [[spiritual]] terms, be seen as one who is somewhat less close to God. Does that answer your question? (S: Perfectly.) (01/02/94)

====Work as it relates to Worship and Service====

===='''''[[Work]]''''', '''''[[Worship]]''''', '''''[[Service]]'''''====

*Work as it relates to Worship and Service

*Work as it relates to Worship and Service

Today's lesson will be rather [[complex]]. We will [[discuss]] work yet again, however this time it will be in the [[context]] of its [[connection]] to [[worship]] and worship activities, including [[service]]. We did [[touch]] on this area briefly during last lesson, and since work is such a [[vitally]] important area of [[learning]] and discussion at this time in [[your planet]]'s [[emergence]] from [[chaos]] and reconnection of the [[universe circuits]] I have decided to put much [[emphasis]] on the area of work. I sense that those of you who have been following our recent lessons are beginning to [[modify]] your own inner [[concept]] of [[work]] in accordance with our recent [[discussions]]. That is [[good]], for it is not helpful to you in your role neither as [[student]] nor as future [[teacher]] in [[this mission]] to have a [[disdain]] for work. And yet this disdain is a deep current that runs through all of the [[cultures]] which presently exist on [[Urantia]]. As I mentioned last time, a most important job for you as [[teachers]] and [[participants]] in this [[teaching mission]] will be to assist in the re-[[education]] of your fellow [[mortals]] on [[this planet]] along the lines that have been presented through these lessons. We have dealt with many [[topics]] and yet there will be relatively little [[progress]] toward our immediate [[goal]] unless the people of this planet [[embrace]] [[work]] with [[gladness]], readiness for [[service]], loving spirit, and a sense of [[worship]]. This is not presently the case, as you all are well [[aware]]. My dear [[friends]], from the [[moment]] that you are [[conceived]], and forever after, you are [[engaged]] in work activity involving expenditure of [[effort]], [[struggle]], meeting challenges again and again. Ever will there be more, and, yes, [[failure]] - but also success - for such is the [[course]] of [[existence]] for those of us created imperfect. It is part of our [[endowment]], our gift from [[the Father|Father]], to be imperfect, and as mentioned in past lessons, this sometimes causes [[pain]] and [[regret]] in us.

Today's lesson will be rather [[complex]]. We will [[discuss]] work yet again, however this time it will be in the [[context]] of its [[connection]] to [[worship]] and worship activities, including [[service]]. We did [[touch]] on this area briefly during last lesson, and since work is such a [[vitally]] important area of [[learning]] and discussion at this time in [[your planet]]'s [[emergence]] from [[chaos]] and reconnection of the [[universe circuits]] I have decided to put much [[emphasis]] on the area of work. I sense that those of you who have been following our recent lessons are beginning to [[modify]] your own inner [[concept]] of [[work]] in accordance with our recent [[discussions]]. That is [[good]], for it is not helpful to you in your role neither as [[student]] nor as future [[teacher]] in [[this mission]] to have a [[disdain]] for work. And yet this disdain is a deep current that runs through all of the [[cultures]] which presently exist on [[Urantia]]. As I mentioned last time, a most important job for you as [[teachers]] and [[participants]] in this [[teaching mission]] will be to assist in the re-[[education]] of your fellow [[mortals]] on [[this planet]] along the lines that have been presented through these lessons. We have dealt with many [[topics]] and yet there will be relatively little [[progress]] toward our immediate [[goal]] unless the people of this planet [[embrace]] [[work]] with [[gladness]], readiness for [[service]], loving spirit, and a sense of [[worship]]. This is not presently the case, as you all are well [[aware]]. My dear [[friends]], from the [[moment]] that you are [[conceived]], and forever after, you are [[engaged]] in work activity involving expenditure of [[effort]], [[struggle]], meeting challenges again and again. Ever will there be more, and, yes, [[failure]] - but also success - for such is the [[course]] of [[existence]] for those of us created imperfect. It is part of our [[endowment]], our gift from [[the Father|Father]], to be imperfect, and as mentioned in past lessons, this sometimes causes [[pain]] and [[regret]] in us.

Do you not sense that [[joy]] of [[worship]] of [[Father within]] you? (S: Yes.) Before [[this planet]] embarks upon the final [[stage]] toward the [[emergence]] of [[light and life]], you [[mortals]] on [[Urantia]] will have the same sense of [[joy]] regarding [[work]] that you now - some of you, the more advanced - [[experience]] as a part of your [[worship]] activities. I know it is [[difficult]] to [[imagine]] at this [[stage]], but the way that this will come about will be through, initially, [[faith]]-motivated [[acceptance]] of [[work]] as a [[worship]] [[activity]] and later, when [[spiritual evolution]] has moved forward on [[Urantia]] there will be more [[Thought Adjuster]] [[connectedness]] added to faith to reinforce each individual's [[knowledge]] of work as [[worship]]. My friends, all of [[the Father|Father]]'s qualities are united. They are not [[discrete]] [[entities]]. You cannot [[separate]] love from [[goodness]] or from [[truth]] or from [[beauty]] or [[worship]] or [[service]], just as you do not see [[discrete]] [[rays]] of the [[sun]].

Do you not sense that [[joy]] of [[worship]] of [[Father within]] you? (S: Yes.) Before [[this planet]] embarks upon the final [[stage]] toward the [[emergence]] of [[light and life]], you [[mortals]] on [[Urantia]] will have the same sense of [[joy]] regarding [[work]] that you now - some of you, the more advanced - [[experience]] as a part of your [[worship]] activities. I know it is [[difficult]] to [[imagine]] at this [[stage]], but the way that this will come about will be through, initially, [[faith]]-motivated [[acceptance]] of [[work]] as a [[worship]] [[activity]] and later, when [[spiritual evolution]] has moved forward on [[Urantia]] there will be more [[Thought Adjuster]] [[connectedness]] added to faith to reinforce each individual's [[knowledge]] of work as [[worship]]. My friends, all of [[the Father|Father]]'s qualities are united. They are not [[discrete]] [[entities]]. You cannot [[separate]] love from [[goodness]] or from [[truth]] or from [[beauty]] or [[worship]] or [[service]], just as you do not see [[discrete]] [[rays]] of the [[sun]].

Whenever your [[actions]] are in any way in [[accord]] with Father's will, they are in all ways in accord with His will. So as you go forth in your [[work]] [[activities]], whatever they may be, please [[understand]] that you are [[worshiping]] Father in your toil and [[effort]] and [[struggle]]. You are [[learning]] [[skills]] that you will use for the whole of your [[existence]] in [[the cosmos]], for you will be working forever, and it will come to be the most [[exciting]], [[joyous]] and loving activity [[imaginable]] for you at some point in your [[universe career.]] It may seem inconceivable to you, but there will be a time when [[recreation]] will be almost an annoyance to you because you will be [[anxious]] to get back to your [[work]]. I [[regret]] to say that I myself have not reached that [[point]]. [[[laughter]]] So, my [[friends]], again it comes down to [[faith]], does it not? (S: Yes.) For now you must [[accept]] on [[faith]] that [[work]] is a God-directed [[activity]] and is [[blessed]] and contributes mightily to your own [[personal growth]] and contributes mightily to the forward movement of the [[spirituality]] of [[this planet]].

Whenever your [[actions]] are in any way in [[accord]] with Father's will, they are in all ways in accord with His will. So as you go forth in your [[work]] [[activities]], whatever they may be, please [[understand]] that you are [[worshiping]] Father in your toil and [[effort]] and [[struggle]]. You are [[learning]] [[skills]] that you will use for the whole of your [[existence]] in [[the cosmos]], for you will be working forever, and it will come to be the most [[exciting]], [[joyous]] and loving activity [[imaginable]] for you at some point in your [[universe career]]. It may seem inconceivable to you, but there will be a time when [[recreation]] will be almost an annoyance to you because you will be [[anxious]] to get back to your [[work]]. I [[regret]] to say that I myself have not reached that [[point]]. [[[laughter]]] So, my [[friends]], again it comes down to [[faith]], does it not? (S: Yes.) For now you must [[accept]] on [[faith]] that [[work]] is a God-directed [[activity]] and is [[blessed]] and contributes mightily to your own [[personal growth]] and contributes mightily to the forward movement of the [[spirituality]] of [[this planet]].

Teach your [[children]] to [[love]] [[work]]. Be an example to your [[friends]] and [[neighbors]] of one who loves work. You may [[complain]], but they know by watching that you are working, and you must therefore [[embrace]] your work [[activities]], and when they see you thrive, the inescapable [[conclusion]] will be that it is a result of not only work but of your loving and [[worshipful]] [[attitude]] regarding your [[work]]. And this will be a strong [[motivator]] to your [[neighbors]] to [[imitate]] you in this way. So you will be doing Father's [[work]], you see, like [[Jesus]], a [[co-creator]] with Father. And what could be better than that? This is the end of this lesson. I will gladly accept questions and comments now.

Teach your [[children]] to [[love]] [[work]]. Be an example to your [[friends]] and [[neighbors]] of one who loves work. You may [[complain]], but they know by watching that you are working, and you must therefore [[embrace]] your work [[activities]], and when they see you thrive, the inescapable [[conclusion]] will be that it is a result of not only work but of your loving and [[worshipful]] [[attitude]] regarding your [[work]]. And this will be a strong [[motivator]] to your [[neighbors]] to [[imitate]] you in this way. So you will be doing Father's [[work]], you see, like [[Jesus]], a [[co-creator]] with Father. And what could be better than that? This is the end of this lesson. I will gladly accept questions and comments now.

Q: Rayson , I thought that you had already milked the subject of work dry, but I found out that there's still some cream left in it. And I want to thank you for delivering at least part of that cream to us. I have heard the proverb, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." Would you care to discuss work as it pertains to the mind?

Q: Rayson , I thought that you had already milked the subject of [[work]] dry, but I found out that there's still some cream left in it. And I want to [[thank]] you for delivering at least part of that cream to us. I have heard the [[proverb]], "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." Would you care to [[discuss]] work as it pertains to the [[mind]]?

A: Yes, certainly. When you work, there is no part of you that is idle, not your body, nor your mind, nor your spirit. And your Thought Adjuster is present supervising and available for guidance, as are your Seraphim and other assistants. However, when one is idle, the opposite may occur, particularly if lack of work activity persists for a long period. Why should the Thought Adjuster continue to make efforts when there is no reciprocity on the part of the mortal, no effort? Why should the seraphim continue to suggest and advise when the ears are deaf and the eyes are unseeing? The idle one walks away from all that Father has constructed in the way of assistance, and in this condition it is unfortunately easy to turn fully away from Father, or as pagans might say, toward the devil. The one who is not engaged in work with idle mind, body, and spirit may choose to become involved in non-worship activities, non-work activities, that is iniquity. That is the meaning of your proverb. (S: Thank you.)

A: Yes, certainly. When you [[work]], there is no part of you that is [[idle]], not your [[body]], nor your [[mind]], nor your spirit. And your [[Thought Adjuster]] is present supervising and available for [[guidance]], as are your [[Seraphim]] and other assistants. However, when one is [[idle]], the opposite may occur, particularly if lack of work activity [[persists]] for a long period. Why should the [[Thought Adjuster]] continue to make [[efforts]] when there is no [[reciprocity]] on the part of the [[mortal]], no effort? Why should the [[seraphim]] continue to suggest and [[advise]] when the ears are deaf and the eyes are unseeing? The idle one walks away from all that Father has constructed in the way of [[assistance]], and in this condition it is unfortunately easy to turn fully away from Father, or as [[pagans]] might say, toward the [[devil]]. The one who is not [[engaged]] in [[work]] with [[idle]] [[mind]], [[body]], and [[spirit]] may choose to become involved in non-worship activities, non-work activities, that is [[iniquity]]. That is the [[meaning]] of your [[proverb]]. (S: Thank you.)

Q: Rayson, I want to thank you very much. I have not been able to listen to all your lessons on work, so it's been very enlightening to me today, and I'm really enjoying the cream, as (S) pointed out. What about those people who for whatever reasons aren't able to work? I'm thinking of people incapacitated, or those who have reached a stage in life and are very elderly, that for whatever reason now no longer seem to be able to work. It made me think about concepts that would enable them to do more. We seem to have a society that wants to get people out of work when they get older. It's real painful.

Q: Rayson, I want to thank you very much. I have not been able to [[listen]] to all your lessons on [[work]], so it's been very [[enlightening]] to me today, and I'm really enjoying the cream, as (S) pointed out. What about those people who for whatever reasons aren't able to work? I'm [[thinking]] of people incapacitated, or those who have reached a [[stage]] in life and are very [[elderly]], that for whatever reason now no longer seem to be able to work. It made me think about [[concepts]] that would enable them to do more. We seem to have a [[society]] that wants to get people out of work when they get older. It's real [[painful]].

A: Have you not noticed how often material death follows?

A: Have you not noticed how often material [[death]] follows?

S: Yes. I want to tell you of my own personal experience. My father worked until he was 82, and I think it was one of the key factors of his longevity, plus his excitement and thrill. Everything you said about what work provides, my father benefitted from by continuing to work. He never ceased to work until he was forced to by a fatal disease. I can see the transformation constantly in his life, which has been a real example to me, and I guess maybe an example for all of us. So I really appreciate what you've been saying today.

S: Yes. I want to tell you of my own [[personal]] [[experience]]. My father worked until he was 82, and I think it was one of the key [[factors]] of his longevity, plus his [[excitement]] and thrill. [[Everything]] you said about what [[work]] provides, my father benefitted from by continuing to [[work]]. He never ceased to work until he was forced to by a fatal [[disease]]. I can see the [[transformation]] constantly in his life, which has been a real [[example]] to me, and I guess maybe an example for all of us. So I really [[appreciate]] what you've been saying today.

R: Yes. Thank you.

R: Yes. Thank you.

Q: Rayson, this has been a particularly inspiring lesson for me because it explains why, when one retires from one activity of work, there is this urging to seek out something else. Would the creative activity of making gifts for people, of creating things, writing poetry, music, and handcrafts be classified as a work activity, even though it's so pleasant to engage in?

Q: Rayson, this has been a particularly [[inspiring]] lesson for me because it [[explains]] why, when one [[retires]] from one [[activity]] of [[work]], there is this urging to seek out something else. Would the [[creative]] activity of making [[gifts]] for people, of creating things, writing [[poetry]], [[music]], and handcrafts be [[classified]] as a work activity, even though it's so [[pleasant]] to [[engage]] in?

A: Yes, if the motivation is God-directed. Yes, of course. Do you understand?

A: Yes, if the [[motivation]] is God-directed. Yes, of course. Do you [[understand]]?

S: Yes, in other words, if one is using the time as dedicated to creativity because one feels the need to be doing something as a part of God's plan, wouldn't that be what you're leading to there?

S: Yes, in other [[words]], if one is using the time as [[dedicated]] to [[creativity]] because one [[feels]] the need to be doing something as a part of God's plan, wouldn't that be what you're [[leading]] to there?

A: Yes, if your activities involve carrying out God's will and have the qualities of goodness and truth and beauty and love, of course, that is worshipful work and very acceptable.

A: Yes, if your [[activities]] involve carrying out God's will and have the [[qualities]] of [[goodness]] and [[truth]] and [[beauty]] and [[love]], of course, that is [[worshipful]] [[work]] and very [[acceptable]].

Q: OK, because when you retire from one thing there's a sense of "I ought to be doing something else." And not just the routine survival things, but something that contributes something. I have this other question about another phase of the lesson. You mentioned that one of the qualities of Father was worship, and I assume with regard to Father that is the characteristic of Him that inspires worship in others. Does Father worship anything or any being? Or is it because of His worshipful quality that that's a characteristic of Him?

Q: OK, because when you [[retire]] from one thing there's a sense of "I ought to be doing something else." And not just the routine [[survival]] things, but something that contributes something. I have this other question about another phase of the lesson. You mentioned that one of the [[qualities]] of Father was [[worship]], and I [[assume]] with regard to Father that is the characteristic of Him that [[inspires]] worship in others. Does Father [[worship]] anything or any [[being]]? Or is it because of His worshipful quality that that's a characteristic of Him?

A: Father worships everything that exists in the cosmos. Do you not see the care with which He has created everything that is?

A: Father worships [[everything]] that exists in [[the cosmos]]. Do you not see the [[care]] with which He has [[created]] everything that is?

S: Yes, I just never thought of that as being worship, but of love and caring. I can see that as a characteristic of worship. Thank you, that clears it up.

S: Yes, I just never [[thought]] of that as being [[worship]], but of [[love]] and [[caring]]. I can see that as a characteristic of worship. Thank you, that clears it up.

R: Father is always and ever a partner with you, if you care to join Him and share His qualities. He always, always extends His hand to you. You have only to reach up and grasp His.

R: Father is always and ever a [[partner]] with you, if you care to join Him and [[share]] His [[qualities]]. He always, always extends His hand to you. You have only to reach up and grasp His.

S: That's a quality that's very hard to transmit to a non-believer. We have a friend at our church who is very much in need of that sort of belief but seems very resistant to faith. My prayer is that we be given every assistance to help her get past that stage and know how loving and caring Father is.

S: That's a [[quality]] that's very hard to [[transmit]] to a non-believer. We have a [[friend]] at our church who is very much in need of that sort of [[belief]] but seems very [[resistant]] to [[faith]]. My [[prayer]] is that we be given every [[assistance]] to help her get past that [[stage]] and know how loving and caring Father is.

R: Is she a loving person?

R: Is she a loving [[person]]?

S: I'm afraid not. I'm afraid that somewhere in her life she had a deprivation of love, so it's an, experience she's not altogether familiar with.

S: I'm afraid not. I'm afraid that somewhere in her life she had a [[deprivation]] of [[love]], so it's an, [[experience]] she's not altogether familiar with.

R: Perhaps she has merely made a conscious choice to take the other path, and in this case it may be non-productive for you to pursue her. She is capable of making her own decisions?

R: Perhaps she has merely made a [[conscious]] [[choice]] to take the other [[path]], and in this case it may be non-productive for you to pursue her. She is capable of making her own decisions?

S: Oh, yes. They may not be very wise sometimes, but she's very able. It seems she clings to the negative, and we would like to help her get beyond that.

S: Oh, yes. They may not be very [[wise]] sometimes, but she's very able. It seems she clings to the [[negative]], and we would like to help her get beyond that.

R: You cannot help her to make her own free will decisions.

R: You cannot help her to make her own [[free will]] decisions.

S: Just love her and hope that with that experience she can eventually turn around?

S: Just [[love]] her and [[hope]] that with that [[experience]] she can [[eventually]] turn around?

R: Protect yourself.

R: [[Protect]] yourself.

S: Yes, I've noticed the need for that, I'm sorry to say.

S: Yes, I've noticed the need for that, I'm sorry to say.

R: Well, there need not be regret at the awareness of the danger that those who choose iniquitous paths pose to yourself. At this stage in Urantia's development it is important that you understand the need to guard against those who have chosen evil ways, for they can harm you very much. Some will harm you in chipping away at your faith, if you allow it. Others will harm you by inflicting pain on your person, either physically or financially or emotionally. Some may even kill you, so please be aware that there is danger.

R: Well, there need not be [[regret]] at the [[awareness]] of the [[danger]] that those who choose [[iniquitous]] [[paths]] pose to yourself. At this [[stage]] in [[Urantia]]'s development it is important that you [[understand]] the need to guard against those who have chosen [[evil]] ways, for they can harm you very much. Some will harm you in chipping away at your [[faith]], if you allow it. Others will harm you by inflicting [[pain]] on your [[person]], either [[physically]] or [[financially]] or [[emotionally]]. Some may even kill you, so please be aware that there is [[danger]].

S: I am not aware that she has deliberately chosen iniquity. I just don't feel a threat from her in that form. I feel more that she's just floating, just not ready to choose anything.

S: I am not [[aware]] that she has deliberately chosen [[iniquity]]. I just don't feel a threat from her in that form. I feel more that she's just floating, just not ready to [[choose]] anything.

R: It is something for you to consider that a spiritual matter will not be swayed by material considerations. Surely you know of those who have experienced, or even presently experience, material deprivation and mistreatment and yet gladly and lovingly choose to follow Father's path. And the opposite also, that is, those who have been fortunate and appear to have everything that money can buy, so to speak, who yet dwell in misery, rage, pride. You could never give them anything that would cause them to turn toward Father. Of course, there are all the variations. But do not make the error of believing that there is anything you can give such a person in the material sense that will cause them to alter their behavior. Your best hope in such a situation is to carry yourself with dignity and be a living example.

R: It is something for you to [[consider]] that a [[spiritual]] matter will not be swayed by [[material]] [[considerations]]. Surely you know of those who have [[experienced]], or even presently experience, material [[deprivation]] and mistreatment and yet gladly and lovingly [[choose]] to follow [[the Father|Father]]'s path. And the [[opposite]] also, that is, those who have been fortunate and appear to have [[everything]] that [[money]] can buy, so to speak, who yet dwell in misery, [[rage]], [[pride]]. You could never give them anything that would cause them to turn toward Father. Of course, there are all the variations. But do not make the [[error]] of believing that there is anything you can give such a [[person]] in the material sense that will cause them to alter their [[behavior]]. Your best hope in such a situation is to carry yourself with [[dignity]] and be a living [[example]].

Q: On the definition of work, there are many forms of work, obviously, the one that we get paid for; is that the one you're speaking about mostly? Or is it just work in general, like the work we spend working in our garden, or helping a friend at their house? What is it that you're particularly speaking of?

Q: On the [[definition]] of [[work]], there are many forms of [[work]], obviously, the one that we get paid for; is that the one you're [[speaking]] about mostly? Or is it just work in general, like the work we spend working in our [[garden]], or helping a friend at their house? What is it that you're particularly speaking of?

R: Expenditure of effort with the goal of productivity in mind. Actually, most of the work that you perform is unpaid in the sense of wages. Think about the times you have had to deal with grief in friends or family. That was work, was it not? (S: Yes) Or your family chores, other family chores?

R: Expenditure of [[effort]] with the [[goal]] of [[productivity]] in [[mind]]. Actually, most of the work that you perform is unpaid in the sense of wages. [[Think]] about the times you have had to deal with [[grief]] in [[friends]] or [[family]]. That was work, was it not? (S: Yes) Or your [[family]] chores, other family chores?

Q: I ask this because I find I have so much more joy in the physical work - whether it's growing or helping someone else - and I am, at this point in my life, struggling with the work I do to make a living, in terms of just how empty it is and how it's just not what I want to be doing. And I feel quite stuck as to how to get out and change it. I feel like Father's given me many, many, many gifts, and I realize that we can touch people by way of our daily work. I think perhaps that's what I'm doing in this job, but I can relate very much to when you say that there's work that's joyous and there would be such different work for me to do that would not be like work. I know so much of America leads lives of quiet desperation because they're doing things they just don't want to be doing, and I truly believe that people should be joyous in the work that they do, whether it's to make a living or whatever. And I'm lost right now on that subject because I'm not happy where I'm earning my living. I'm much more happy, whether it's cutting down a tree or helping somebody rebuild their house, or doing physical labor - the things I can see, fruits from my labor. Does that make sense?

Q: I ask this because I find I have so much more [[joy]] in the [[physical]] work - whether it's [[growing]] or helping someone else - and I am, at this point in my life, [[struggling]] with the work I do to make a living, in terms of just how empty it is and how it's just not what I want to be doing. And I [[feel]] quite stuck as to how to get out and [[change]] it. I feel like Father's given me many, many, many gifts, and I [[realize]] that we can [[touch]] people by way of our daily [[work]]. I think perhaps that's what I'm doing in this job, but I can relate very much to when you say that there's work that's [[joyous]] and there would be such [[different]] work for me to do that would not be like work. I know so much of [[America]] leads lives of quiet [[desperation]] because they're doing things they just don't want to be doing, and I truly [[believe]] that people should be [[joyous]] in the work that they do, whether it's to make a living or whatever. And I'm lost right now on that subject because I'm not [[happy]] where I'm [[earning]] my living. I'm much more [[happy]], whether it's cutting down a tree or helping somebody rebuild their house, or doing [[physical]] labor - the things I can see, fruits from my labor. Does that make sense?

R: I believe I understand what you are saying, however, desperation, to which you refer, is that element that I alluded to in our lesson which Lucifer and Caligastia so expertly magnified in the planets of rebellion. It is entirely possible that if what you refer to as your pleasure activities were incorporated into your present wage paying job, you would dislike them as well. The joy of work is something that you must develop on your own. It is your own inner attitude toward the activities that will result in joy, not the opposite. Do you understand?

R: I believe I [[understand]] what you are saying, however, [[desperation]], to which you refer, is that element that I alluded to in our lesson which [[Lucifer]] and [[Caligastia]] so expertly [[magnified]] in [[the planets of rebellion]]. It is entirely possible that if what you refer to as your [[pleasure]] activities were incorporated into your present wage paying job, you would dislike them as well. The [[joy]] of work is something that you must [[develop]] on your own. It is your own inner [[attitude]] toward the [[activities]] that will result in [[joy]], not the opposite. Do you understand?

S: Yes, I've had that self calm as well. But what do you do when you're just in a place that's reeking negativity? I know I choose my own way. That's what I'm struggling with right now, is trying to get myself out of a situation where I just think I've reached the end of my rope.

S: Yes, I've had that [[self]] [[calm]] as well. But what do you do when you're just in a place that's reeking [[negativity]]? I know I [[choose]] my own way. That's what I'm [[struggling]] with right now, is trying to get myself out of a situation where I just think I've reached the end of my rope.

R: What do you think Jesus would do in your situation? (S: I don't know.) Can you imagine?

R: What do you think [[Jesus]] would do in your situation? (S: I don't know.) Can you [[imagine]]?

S: Well, I imagine He would try to find the joy in it.

S: Well, I imagine He would try to find the [[joy]] in it.

R: How would He do that? (S: I don't know.) What do you think would be the first step? My dear friend, you may wish to seek, earnestly seek, for goodness in your work. There is no thing on Urantia that is all bad, nor any that is all good. There must be some goodness there. I advise that you look for that goodness and make it your focus and your jumping off point to help build a joyous attitude. If you do that, you may indeed find that another opportunity which will be less onerous to you will present. (01/08/94)

R: How would He do that? (S: I don't know.) What do you think would be the first step? My dear [[friend]], you may wish to seek, [[earnestly]] seek, for [[goodness]] in your work. There is no thing on [[Urantia]] that is all bad, nor any that is all good. There must be some [[goodness]] there. I advise that you look for that [[goodness]] and make it your [[focus]] and your jumping off point to help build a joyous [[attitude]]. If you do that, you may indeed find that another [[opportunity]] which will be less onerous to you will present. (01/08/94)

===WORK and CONVICTION of TRUTH===

===WORK and CONVICTION of TRUTH===