Overcoming the lies of evil

sunset-192978_640Evil disguises itself as something good — something that is “out there” that we have to get.

This is illustrated in the Bible passages where Jesus overcomes the temptations of evil:

...the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Jesus knew: I already have all that I need in God. God is my life and my purpose. He supplies all that I need and I can not be afraid or tempted.

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

I already know that I am loved and cared for by God. I do not have to put God to the test. I am secure in my relationship with God, good.

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

God has already given me, and all His children, the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven. Evil tries to gratify itself, but our Kingdom is given to us freely by God and filled with spiritual beauty, joy, freedom and love. There is no hatred, fear or disease in our Kingdom. It is whole and peaceful. It is the reign of Love and Spirit within us — within our consciousness.

Every child of God has the power and ability to overcome these temptations of evil and see the Kingdom of Heaven within. No one is left out of this Kingdom. This will lead to individual peace and freedom for us and the world.

Watching or watching out?

Jesus said: “…I say unto all, watch.” (Mark 13:37)

I’ve often pondered the distinction between “watching” and “watching out”.

I realize that watching out keeps our focus on error – on the bad stuff – and brings with it a sense of insecurity and paranoia.

On the other hand, watching or keeping watch is a spiritual activity which means mentally staying alert and keeping our focus on God, good. Watching can also mean watching your thoughts and determine if thoughts are from God or not.

Thoughts from God always include a sense of spiritual dominion, freedom, peace & joy.

These are the good thoughts – the only thoughts we need to listen to. Imagine living in a society where everyone only listened to good thoughts? It’s an interesting thing to think about.

Life lessons and a Star Wars analogy

The fear of loss is a path to the dark side.
Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is.
Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose. – Yoda

After this advice was given by Yoda to Anakin, Anakin Skywalker (in Star Wars episode III) was led into greater temptation before he was able to train himself to let go of everything he feared to lose (mainly his wife, Padme). And ultimately when he succumbed to the dark side, he lost it all anyway.

Fortunately, in the end of Star Wars episode VI, we see that hate is not the master of love. Meeting Luke helps Anakin – now Darth Vader – to remember his true self. After Anakin dies he is transformed back into the force and joins Obi Wan, Yoda and others before him.

I think important lessons can be taken from this fictional story.

For instance, spiritual healer, Mary Baker Eddy, also warned against personal attachment back in the early 1900’s. She instructed that those who were members of the church she established should not be motivated by personal attachment or animosity. Perhaps she sensed, as those in the Bible did, that this led to evil. Instead, she instructed them to be governed by divine Love; to be charitable, kind, and forgiving.

This is also the path that Christ Jesus taught – the path of life.

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. – Gal 5:22

Instead of becoming Jedi masters and having to live as monk-like warriors, we can become masters of our own thinking. We posses the power to overcome all evil in our thought and to demonstrate the all-power of goodness and love.

Know, then, that you possess sovereign power to think and act rightly, and that nothing can dispossess you of this heritage and trespass on Love. If you maintain this position, who or what can cause you to sin or suffer? – Mary Baker Eddy

Take each day to do this. The the entire perception of mankind will feel the difference and will be uplifted by it. Your example is a shining light to others enabling them to do the same.