Strength in Service

2007-5-23 14:06:00

Great comments on the questions on the Affirmation of the Disciple. Ruth is right in taking a second look at some of these "Eternal Words." They have indeed many layers of interpretation.

When an ordinary mortal speaks a word usually only one meaning is meant to be conveyed. When a disciple speaks with his mind linked to the Oneness Principle his words will have many layers of meaning for he speaks in the language of principles, or spirit.

Example:

Person Number One: The temperature where I am this moment is 80 degrees.

Person Number Two: Here is the principle of acquiring the temperature.

Person Number One communicates one piece of information.

Person Number Two communicates a principle that allows the receiver to discover the temperature in millions of places on the earth in all time frames.

Even so, when we read the words of a Master there are unlimited ways to find layers of truth in his words.

Does this mean that every interpretation is correct? No. Neither is every temperature reading correct unless the right principles are applied.

If you want to grade yourself on your interpretation then examine it and ask:

  1. Does it harmonize with the Law of Correspondences?
  2. Does one part of my interpretation conflict with another part?
  3. Does it seem harmonious?
  4. Does it feel right to my soul?

Now let us take a closer look at the "Affirmation of the Disciple." Each of the three stanzas teaches a different principle.

Stanza One:

"I am a point of light within a greater Light.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of love divine.
I am a point of sacrificial Fire, focused within the fiery Will of God.
And thus I stand."

Questions:

Can you say what the principle is?

The principle is this. The whole always has many parts and we, as entities, are not the whole but a part. The lower ego sees itself being of supreme importance, but the disciple sees himself as a point within something greater. Instead of seeing the point, which is he, as of supreme importance, he identifies with the whole and shares the value of the whole.

He thus achieves more joy than the lower ego while not excluding his brethren.

Stanza Two:

"I am a way by which men may achieve.
I am a source of strength, enabling them to stand.
I am a beam of light, shining upon their way.
And thus I stand."

This principle is more subtle. Hint:  Note that it assumes strength rather than asking for strength from an outside source.

The mistake all beginning seekers make is that they are continually crying out for some higher being to give them strength but they know not the true principle of strength which is this.

That which one gives he also receives that he may give again.

To ask for strength is to think that you have no strength and since energy follows thought then you will be weak and in need of help.

To assume strength and to help others to stand causes thoughts of strength and again, since energy follows thought, energy will come to you and make you strong.

Do not see strength as going out of you when you help others, but realize that strength and power is flowing into you because you are applying the principle of strength.

Stanza Three:

"And standing thus revolve
And tread this way the ways of men,
And know the ways of God.
And thus I stand."

This principle is more subtle still. Hint:  Why does he know the ways of God?

He knows the ways of God because he applies the principle of the name of Christ and gives strength to his fellow men and women. Just as God is the source of power to the universe, when we become the source of strength to our universe we are then becoming a true reflection of God and know the ways of God. The ways of God are the ways of service, and the way of service is to serve with the power of God flowing through the servant to all within his sphere of influence.