RAISED CONSCIOUSNESS

The First Commandment: You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3). Everyone worships something. The atheist who reverentially, with deep conviction preaches the religion of non-belief, The Darwinist speaking from the mount of science, painting all who disagree with the taint of ignorance, the evidence of their position clearly incontrovertible. The preacher condemning all who do not share their limited interpretation of scripture, certain in their self-righteousness, worshiping at the altar of spiritual pride, cocksure in their vision. The Red Sox fan casting out the demons of New York and those sad souls of Norte Dame who have rejected the truth of USC. Only slightly with tongue in cheek, if only as much time, hell, half as much was spent studying our spiritual nature as is invested in fantasy sports leagues or watching reality TV the entire planetary consciousness would soar. To be clear: even though we state our belief in God, we worship where we place our attention. From Encarta:

Worship: v

1. religion treat somebody or something as deity: to treat somebody or something as divine and show respect by engaging in acts of prayer and devotion
2. love somebody deeply: to love, admire, or respect somebody or something greatly and perhaps excessively or unquestioningly
3. religion take part in religious service: to take part in a religious service


: n
1. religion religious adoration: the adoration, devotion, and respect given to a deity
2. religion religious rites: the rites or services through which people show their adoration, devotion, and respect for a deity
3. great devotion: great or excessive love, admiration, and respect felt for somebody or something


So many times a student has approached in difficulty and when asked about their prayer and meditation life has responded "when I remember" or"if I can find the time." When we place anything before our relationship with God, we will reap the crop we have sown. Let nothing take a more prominent position in your life, place your full attention on your relationship with Him who has all knowledge and power, and everything else will fall into place in due course.