The Trap Of Self-Righteousness

“Never try to force other people to accept spiritual truth.”  No one, absolutely no one will permanently accept anything forced upon them. Sure, they may go along for a time but as soon as they can escape, they will. It is amazing how many times this has been attempted through history, whether it be political, restricting living conditions, restrictions on personal freedom and initiative or individual expression, these attempts always fail eventually. The attempts, though always ultimately failing, continue because self-righteousness is a powerful aphrodisiac.

Remember, self-righteous is not the same as being righteous before God. The righteous individual embodies humility, the self-righteous is holier-than-thou. The righteous, caring and thoughtful. The self-righteous, preachy and self satisfied. As children of the most high we strive to be righteous but stand guard watching for the trap of self-righteousness. 

Today when someone tries to impress upon us their point of view as the only one, the “my way or the highway” approach, we avoid face to face combat or debate. Living on the Spiritual Basis the truth has become evident, that: the realm of Heaven is roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek. So our path is to pray for those still trapped in the bondage of self-righteousness and release them with love, not confrontation, to turn the other cheek. 

The sands of time are littered with those who forgot or ignored this, though often they began with right motives, they became victims, believing their own press, lost in appreciation of their personal rightness. They forgot that all are equal in God’s eyes, beholden to no one save Our Father, their path and spiritual growth the ultimate demonstration in truth. So, "Do not preach me a sermon, but show me one with your actions."

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Our Inner Light

Never turn away from anyone seeking help or guidance. Part of the progression in our spiritual growth is the rise in our natural or soul “luminescence” as we demonstrate over the issues of life. As we begin to Live on the Spiritual Basis, day by day, people will naturally become attracted. As your inner light shines ever brighter even complete strangers will be drawn to you, seeking something they cannot name but subconsciously know they need, feeling it, seeing it with an inner sight.  

They won’t know why (and under no circumstance should we try to explain it) they are attracted, but they have questions and you appeal to their higher consciousness as someone with answers. We share openly and honestly our path with them, but under no circumstance do we evangelize. We answer the asked questions only and resist the urge to steer the conversation. Remember: real growth and understanding must begin within and though we have naturally grown into a guiding light, we must let them grow and learn at their own rate. We lead by example and teach by demonstration.

Now the rub: many have reached this point in their development only to lose themselves in spiritual pride. This terrible trap has snared untold numbers over time. Remember: just as the light bulb is the focal point of the light, the demonstration, it is the invisible power electricity that lights it. We are the messenger, the shinning light; God is the message, the true source that powers our inner light. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

To Be The Salt Of The Earth

Salt of the Earth, we don’t hear that expression used very often anymore. When I was a child when someone was referred to as being “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) it was always said with a tone of reverence and respect. Matthew 5:14 explains why: You are the light of the world. To be a light of the world, quite a promise. The gospel goes on to state that this light will be set on a hill so all may be illuminated by it. So, practically how is this accomplished? By Living on the Spiritual Basis. When we embrace this way of life we begin striping away the husks of selfishness, pride, self-pity, resentment, fear, all the things that shut us off from the sunlight of the spirit. As this way of living develops the truth of being becomes evident: that we are children of eternity, the spark of the divine within lies beyond the strictures of time, space and flesh; everything and everyone connected. By practicing the principles this new way of life embodies, our inner light begins to erase the shadows of false belief and in time we become the salt of the earth. Consistent demonstration is required, for if we falter and rest on our laurels the salt will lose its savor/effectiveness. So be diligent in the issues of your heart, be consistent in Living on the Spiritual Basis, let no vicissitude sway you from the path and give freely of what you have found; for you have become a light of the world, there is no greater calling.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

OH CHRIST!

Christ. Other than God, is there any word that evokes more passion in believers and non-believers alike? The spiritual concept of “Seeing the Christ in others” has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with our divine connection one to another. It is the practical application of Living on the Spiritual Basis, meaning that with raised consciousness we now recognize the spark of the divine in all, regardless of their demonstrations or lack of understanding of spiritual truth. By seeing all in truth; spiritual entities experiencing the human condition-not human beings in search of the divine, we salute them in silent prayer and contemplation, standing ready to be of assistance, if asked. But we never answer the unasked question for true growth must begin within the questioner, but when/if asked, we never shrink at our responsibility for in this way we not only see the Christ in others but demonstrate the Christ within, the true path out of all difficulty, the road of happy destiny. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Wings Of Destiny

“The truth will set you free.”  Ever watch a bird floating on a current of air winging it's way with practiced grace with no regard to speed limits, stop lights or any other man-made or natural  impediment to travel and thought how wonderful it would be to fly. How much more interesting the world becomes when we achieve a little height in our point of view, all the ground level restrictions gone, what was out of sight coming into view as we soar above it.

We soar spiritually when we embrace the Great Reality, that we are the children of God, in fact and deed, limited only by fear. To soar we seek God first, saluting the divine in all our brothers and sisters, seeking to express our innate divinity, quietly, in all our affairs. As we Live on the Spiritual Basis day by day, our point of view changes, what was once hidden comes into view, becoming more distinct as our vision sharpens, though we are soaring ever higher. So by placing our trust in God we claim our wings and soar the heights of happy destiny.

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Spiritual Lip Service

What do you believe? We believe in all sorts of things. Conspiracy theories of all kinds abound, aliens in the White House, Elvis sightings, remember, though no one admits to reading them, those tabloids by the check out counter sell millions of copies every week. The more curious beliefs aside, many worship at the alter of sports teams, politicians/political causes or even the environment, their ardor equal too and often exceeding that of the most devout church goers. I wish to make no value judgment on anyone’s secular beliefs, only that we have a capacity for passionate belief and commitment to an unlimited number of things. The question then is a matter of priority. I always find it curious when approached by a new student to metaphysics whom has spent untold hours in discussion/debate on a sport or team, politics or some cause but has had only a passing interest in the state of their soul or spiritual matters in general.

When the time comes, and it comes for all since our time in this flesh is finite, where will we stand? Will a life dedicated to secular pursuits and interests be of much assistance when faced with the ultimate and eternal? Is there really anything more important than our connection with God, Our Father or defining the spiritual parameters by which we live?

Please, do not misunderstand; be passionate, root for your team, campaign for your beliefs and stand for the issues that move you, but we must not neglect taking stock, an honest inventory of our life to ascertain where we really stand spiritually.

For those who belong to an organized Religion, our inventory is just as significant. Do we really believe what is being taught or are we paying it lip service with little passion, attending out of rote rather than deeply held conviction? How involved are we, for we reap as we sow. Are we committed to the beliefs our church espouses, the religion we choose, since we always demonstrate belief and commitment by our actions.

No one can take stock for us, so begin today to honestly inventory your beliefs, for spiritual honesty is a requisite if we are to find our true voice and place, to know peace and to comprehend serenity. What could possibly be of greater importance?

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Spiritual Jell-O

“The universe is run exactly on the lines of a cafeteria” Emmet Fox.  Just as at a self serve cafeteria, all of the gifts Our Father’s grace provides are laid out before us, but it is up to us to take the action to claim these gifts, for just as the cafeteria where we can sit wanting, watching others eating all around us, we remain hungry until we act. We must rise up in spirit and claim our spiritual nourishment through prayer, meditation and service, putting into action/demonstration the truths we have come to hold in our heart. We resist the alluring spiritual shortcuts arrayed before us that ultimately lead only to tears, for this would be akin to trying to exist on jell-o and desserts alone. Though colorful, tasty and satisfying in the moment, it is ultimately spiritually deadly if we try to exist on these solely. Spiritual Jell-o, you heard it here first, refunds available upon request.

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Spiritually: Tide Pool Or Salt Marsh?

Ever been to a tide pool or salt marsh?  A tide pool is consistently refreshed with an influx of new water with the rising of the tides while the salt marsh is only sporadically refreshed. While a tide pool is vibrant and fresh, a salt marsh smells of stagnation and rot.  As is true for tide pools and salt marshes, such is our spiritual lives. When we become static, stagnant in our thinking, restricting or worse, shutting off the fresh flow of experience taken to heart, we become resistant to change and slow or even completely stifle our spiritual growth.

Living on the Spiritual Basis when one door closes we rejoice, for we have reached the end of this part of the journey and fearlessly (I know, easier said than done, which is why we rely on God for strength) we stride through the new door opening before us, knowing that God is with us and will keep us unharmed if we are about His business: our ultimate awakening in Spirit.

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Words To Live By

Easy does it! Work hard but don’t make hard work of it. Has worry or being so tense a loud noise makes you jump ever improved or changed the outcome of any undertaking? Not in my experience. Take all prudent steps and indicated action but when this is accomplished, stop. Nothing positive can be had by redoing or rehashing something that was already well done. Worry and being tense are simply forms of fear, for truly, what is there to be afraid of? Living on the Spiritual Basis we cannot serve two masters, we are in the world but not of it. We are all children of God, loved beyond measure, eternal in every aspect that matters. We keep our head where our hands are and address the tasks at hand, and when done; we leave the results to God, reminding ourselves that, though our true Self is eternal, we live one day at a time. 

Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

 

Black Cats And Superstition

Step on a crack and break your mama’s back, three on a match, a dead man’s shoes, 7 years bad luck if you break a mirror, black cat crossing your path, spilled salt, anything 13, walking under a ladder, etc we have all heard these superstitions and many more. Many believe that life is influenced by seemingly random negative occurrences like these. When we begin to Live on the Spiritual Basis it becomes clear that life is filled with uncontrollable and unavoidable moments of broken mirrors, sidewalk cracks, black cats etc. and the only power they possess is that which we choose to give them. Living on the Spiritual Basis has taught us there is only one power, God as we understand Him. Superstitions, sacred cows and their ilk are all curious impediments to living happy, joyous and free, pulling us from the light and into self centered fear. Oh, in complete disclosure, I have two black cats, they made me tell you for God knows I wouldn‘t think of crossing them.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Consistent Action, Day By Day

What do you believe, really? A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Is there a bookshelf full of spiritual books near you? Remember how uplifting they were when first read? Your Erroneous Zones, The Sermon on the Mount, The Purpose Driven Life, Joshua, Make Your Life Worthwhile, Never Alone, Just Like Jesus, The Secret, The Power of Intention, A Course In Miracles are just a few within my arms reach. All interesting and uplifting in their own right, providing valuable information, I found however that they are all variations on the same theme. Living on the Spiritual Basis.

Today mine eye is single and my vision has never been better. Many roads lead to Jerusalem, but we must pick one and stay on it, investing time and study in the path. A casual reading or passing assent avails us what all spiritual half measures deliver, nothing. To grow in awareness and understanding requires consistent unselfish constructive action on our part, being irresolute, complacent or cocky leads only to tears.

So we do not allow the tides of popularity to sway us, we have set our feet strongly on a chosen path, profiting in knowledge. We do remain open-minded, learning from all but clear in what we believe and the path of enlightenment we have chosen to follow, remembering, this is the road less traveled and there will be times when we seemingly are walking alone but in truth, He is always by our side.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Piercing Ourself With Sorrow

Who has not heard, or some variation of, the quote: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Well, at least the first part anyway. Consider how many “successful” people throughout history have attempted to translate wealth into a position of power, to impress their will on others because of the false belief that financial success equals spiritual success. The supposed entitlement that wealth conveys unfortunately for many builds a barrier to enlightenment that often becomes insurmountable. To be clear: money is not the problem, the love of it is.

If our definition of success is based solely on possessions and wealth, we will have “gained the world but lost ourselves”, remember, he who dies with the most toys still dies and as much as we may wish to, we can’t take it with us. Many have tried and all have failed, we find them, disinter them and then parade them and their cherished possessions about, kind of creepy if you really stop and think about it, this grave robbing. Clearly it didn’t work out so well for them, did it? Additionally we all know or know of a family torn apart over an inheritance, money trumping love and family.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we learn to use money as the tool it truly is, to live well, enjoy life and praise God through our actions, demonstrating the path in every arena. God wants all His children to be happy, joyous and free and if we have been blessed with substantial resources, we seek ways to help others, preferably anonymously. For in this way we steer clear of the trap of love of money and avoid piercing ourselves through with many sorrows. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson