christianity – Page 28 – Spirituality & Healing

My dog Nya

Published on June 22, 2012June 24, 2012 by lindseybiggs2 Comments

I love my dog Nya.

Nya is so radiant with joy. She is always happy. She also expresses the spiritual qualities of readiness and alertness. And she is so energetic.

She is ready to go whenever I say, and she always watches me to see if she is needed to respond.

She is a true child of God in this way. May we all be as vigil in our spiritual devoutness; keeping our eyes on our Father-Mother God at all times; joyfully waiting for God’s call, expectant and ready.

She is so pure and innocent. She never has a malicious motive or purpose. Her purity is a wonder to me.

We all have the spiritual innocence and purity that we see express in these friends in our lives. It reminds me of an excerpt from Mary Baker Eddy’s address at the National Convention in Chicago on June 13, 1888.

“Beloved children, the world has need of you, — and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives. You need also to watch, and pray that you preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through contact with the world. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!”

She is referencing Jesus’ love for children in this excerpt. When human reasoning tempted Jesus’ disciples and they asked the question, “Who will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus responded by calling a little child over, and he said: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Let’s claim the innocence, purity, joy – the childlikeness – we see around us as our own. And keep our lives, our thought, untainted from the world.

The Earth & sustainability

Published on June 21, 2012June 24, 2012 by lindseybiggs1 Comment

I’ve been thinking a lot about sustainability.

Part of the metaphysical definition for Earth in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures says:

“To material sense, earth is matter; to spiritual sense, it is a compound idea.”

From this spiritual sense perspective, Earth is an expression of Spirit and Life. It is made up of God’s diversity and creativity, and every aspect of Earth, as an idea, is always perfect, harmonious and eternal.

Because the Earth is God’s self-expression, we can have an enlarged appreciation for the diversity, beauty and harmony of Earth. From trees we learn of strength and stability; from flowers we learn of joy and playfulness; from the sun we learn of warmth, comfort and energy.

All of the glories of the Earth are a way for us to know more about the perfection, wonder and infinite nature of the Creator.

So, in being a better steward and citizen of the Earth our motives can be love and appreciation for God’s spiritual Earth. We can be grateful that we can perceive the infinite nature of Life in a way that is tangible and appreciable to the human consciousness, and always see that these manifestations of life have their source in Spirit, eternal Life.

I’m enjoying taking actions to support those individuals and businesses which have these values of appreciation in mind when doing their business. Today, it can be so easy for businesses to get mesmerized into focusing completely on making more money; or as an individual we may focus on cutting corners or finding things cheaply regardless of where they came from.

But what an invitation to see that as stewards of the Earth, and children of God, the qualities of integrity, brotherly love, patience and sustainability are part of who we are.

During these tough economic times, we are called to understand that our supply comes 100% from God, good, and therefore doesn’t depend on us cutting corners, pillaging valuable resources, or destroying beneficial relationships.

Christ Jesus said:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness [or right thinking], and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6, NKJV)

“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?…If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11 NKJV)

When Jesus’ students told him to send the crowds home because they had been listening to Jesus’ teachings all day and were hungry, Jesus told them they didn’t have to leave. They would be fed by staying in the Christ-light. In other words, we never have to leave the Holy Spirit in order to find food and money. He fed the crowds right there, out of his abundance, so they never had to leave Christ. God says we don’t have to leave Him (His qualities of integrity, virtue, honesty, compassion, brotherly love, justice) in order to make money. What a protection to us!

Jesus responded to temptation by saying: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NKJV) In other words, man does not live by matter but by every impulsion, characteristic and direction of Spirit.

As you are governed by these spiritual character traits of God, you are naturally governed in harmony with all of God’s creation. And everyone, including the Earth, reaps the blessings of your obedience.

Evil’s suggestions

Published on June 12, 2012 by lindseybiggs1 Comment

I think we can learn a lot from Eve in the Bible. Notice in this allegory, that evil didn’t make Eve do anything. Evil didn’t force this metaphorical apple down her throat. Eve made the decision to consume the apple.

The illusion of evil is often suggesting that we do, say or think many things which are contrary to our nature. Our inherent nature is spiritual, pure and perfect. We bite into this apple when we are mesmerized to think we are not who we are.

If we think we are sinful, sickly mortals then we follow that pattern. But if we realize we are spiritual ideas of the Infinite/Supreme, the image and likeness of the Divine, then that will show us how to think and act right here and now.

Mary Baker Eddy, a Christian teacher and healer, wrote,

“The Revelator tells us of ‘a new heaven and a new earth.’ Have you ever pictured this heaven and earth, inhabited by beings under the control of supreme wisdom?”

She then tells us how to live being controlled by supreme wisdom:

“Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 91)

Seeing and understanding our divinely given spiritual nature and identity gives us power and authority to resist the illusion of evil and live an inspired, thoughtful, compassionate and healthy life right here and now. This makes us live in accord with God’s will, allows the Holy Spirit, Christ, to impel, guide, uplift us, and enables us to help others.

Have fun living your Christly, spiritual life today! Let your light shine 🙂