While I was thinking of what to write next, I kept thinking that there was more to be said about Faith. Just to recap quickly:
Step 1: We must be a good person, Obey commandments. Be willing to treat others as well or better than ourselves, especially those who we might count as an enemy. Be focused on righteousness not religiousness. Be disciplined in diet and personal habits. We can’t let the body rule us.
Step 2: Contact the divine. ‘Divine’ because it doesn’t matter our preconceptions of the heavens. We mustn’t give up. Include attempts at the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Let the focus on contact grow and expand over time. Don’t expect God the first time though. Far more likely it will be our attending angel.
Step 3: Contact doesn’t signify trust. (Faith) Ask for a chance to develop trust. It may come as a prediction (as it did for me), instructions to do something simple for reasons we don’t understand, or spiritual exercises of some kind. We won’t be asked to sacrifice our first born. Some have thought so. Why am I so sure? Because real faith takes a lot of time to grow. (Who have you ever met and had complete and instant trust? Same goes for trust with in God) Abraham wasn’t asked to make that sacrifice until he was well over a hundred and had had many previous faith-based experiences.
Step 4: Gifts of the Spirit will come. They always do. But they will be tailored to our needs and abilities as we grow. Some have come to me in such abundance that I asked to have them stopped. Others I experienced only once or twice just to help me understand them. But as Ramakrishna said: Don’t let them distract you from the final goal: God’s presence.
Warnings: There are pitfalls on the road to Faith. Some experiences will lift us so high we might think we would never do wrong again. It’s easy to take pride in our spiritual experiences which causes heart-breaking pain to follow the spiritual highs. It’s like learning to ride a bike: when you fall off and skin your knee, cry and nurse it a bit. Then get back on and try again. After awhile we all find our spiritual balance and learn to negotiate the curves and bumps in our path.
One misperception: We all want to be good. Christ told us to be perfect. So, many of us try for that ideal. But weakness is given us by God. God created us. It’s His place to continue creating us. Don’t try to usurp His role in our growth. Perfection is always gift of God’s grace, never an achievement of one’s own efforts. It’s delightful to experience perfection even for a short time. Ask for it. I experienced it for about 3 days once. (Led by the Light, Chapter 6) But pride ruined it. Still each experience teaches us more.
David Laird Castleton
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Beginning faith
(Forward: My thoughts and ideas about Faith are still developing. I ask for your patience if these are not perfectly in line with what you believe. Who knows, in a year I might come to a completely different approach. I have to probe it’s meaning and possibilities. Here’s all I’ve figured out up to now.)
I want more faith in God. I would like to major in Faith. So I’ll go up to the University of Utah and sign up for Faith 101. I wish it worked that way. Really! So how does it work? The foundation of faith is clear: obey the commandments, be accepting: not judging, be a good person and be true. Some don’t give much thought to this ‘foundation’ idea, but I think it’s critical. There are those who sought Him earnestly in prayer and got no response. But on a closer look at their life I could see why. Sometimes they were lying or cheating, controlling or judging or they were far from generous. Spiritual qualities of the soul are to the heavens as physical locations of the body are on this earth. In either situation, before we call out for attention; get close enough (spiritually or physically) to the one you want so they might hear you. An unrepentant proud person seeking the Lord is spirituality like someone in LA yelling for the President in DC. His call simply won’t be heard or answered. Remember Christ: “You know the way to where I am going.” It is really that simple.
But supposing the foundation is well laid. Now what? The science of faith seemed a little vague. Little by little it became clear at least to me. To get a handle on faith I would first give it a simple practical definition. I think it’s a trusting relationship between a person and God. In order for two individual to begin to trust each other they have to meet and get to know each other. The same principle applies here. I realized that if someone came and claimed to know and trust my brother or my father; I might doubt them. If they then told me how they had read about them and followed their suggestions; I might question their faith. Had they never met them? Had they ever spent time together or worked and played together with my father? If not, then I wouldn’t find their claim of faith or trust in my family members credible.
I came to believe that for each of us there must come a transition from faith based on the written word to faith based on a living and personal relationship. It needn’t be a spectacular thing, but it must be real and not imagined. From time to time it doesn’t hurt to receive Gideon type proof: small, quiet, but clear evidence of God’s presence.
When I was in the fourth grade I tried to prophecy. I thought I was a good person so I tried to make predictions. It became embarrassingly clear that I had no more ability in prophecy than anyone else. But I wondered. A few years later a voice spoke in my head a prophecy which came true a few weeks later. This was a beginning of trust in something unseen, something living, real and greater than I. From time to time I sought the voice and from time to time it spoke to me. ( though these ‘times’ didn’t always co inside). It occurred to me that there must have been others in history who would have sought God too. So I went looking for stories of their experiences. Rumi, Kabir, Mohammed, Buddha, Bahaullah, Annalee Skarin, and especially Ramakrishna among others all had experiences that gave me clues as to what to expect.
Real faith begins with an earnest, durable, undeniable request for a divine response. Never give up the prayer. Rest go about daily tasks but come back to the request and the prayer whenever possible. There will be a response. Don’t control how it comes. Words from another person or book might be the start. Usually I hear from an angel. He can be very demanding but at the same time he has been very patient and forgiving. He has led me to the experiences I needed to grow and prepare me to do God’s will.
Blessings and gifts will be offered. But in order to be prepared to receive them, discipline may be required first. Worldly desires will have to be willing set aside like children set aside their toys as they mature. Prayerfully seek and attempt the Gifts of the Spirit. We should ask God questions and not be too quick to assume we know the meaning of the scriptures. Instead let Him unfold their meaning and beauty to us.
Ramakrishna had a very interesting piece of advice for seekers of God: As you begin to come closer to God, He will give you spiritual gifts. Many, who could have been great, have allowed themselves to be distracted with these divine gifts. But just like worldly possessions, they need be set aside that the greater gift of God’s presence might be realized. It’s an interesting thought. The scriptures speak of the Gifts of the Spirit. It’s clear that they are intended for us. It’s also clear that they might help us grow. But like just like anything else they can distract from greater things.
Faith requires a lot of hard work. But like a musical ability, after the discipline comes the fun. Miracles, knowing the future, speaking in tongues, gift of knowledge, out of body traveling are all quite thrilling. Just don’t let pride and egoism end it.
David Laird Castleton
I want more faith in God. I would like to major in Faith. So I’ll go up to the University of Utah and sign up for Faith 101. I wish it worked that way. Really! So how does it work? The foundation of faith is clear: obey the commandments, be accepting: not judging, be a good person and be true. Some don’t give much thought to this ‘foundation’ idea, but I think it’s critical. There are those who sought Him earnestly in prayer and got no response. But on a closer look at their life I could see why. Sometimes they were lying or cheating, controlling or judging or they were far from generous. Spiritual qualities of the soul are to the heavens as physical locations of the body are on this earth. In either situation, before we call out for attention; get close enough (spiritually or physically) to the one you want so they might hear you. An unrepentant proud person seeking the Lord is spirituality like someone in LA yelling for the President in DC. His call simply won’t be heard or answered. Remember Christ: “You know the way to where I am going.” It is really that simple.
But supposing the foundation is well laid. Now what? The science of faith seemed a little vague. Little by little it became clear at least to me. To get a handle on faith I would first give it a simple practical definition. I think it’s a trusting relationship between a person and God. In order for two individual to begin to trust each other they have to meet and get to know each other. The same principle applies here. I realized that if someone came and claimed to know and trust my brother or my father; I might doubt them. If they then told me how they had read about them and followed their suggestions; I might question their faith. Had they never met them? Had they ever spent time together or worked and played together with my father? If not, then I wouldn’t find their claim of faith or trust in my family members credible.
I came to believe that for each of us there must come a transition from faith based on the written word to faith based on a living and personal relationship. It needn’t be a spectacular thing, but it must be real and not imagined. From time to time it doesn’t hurt to receive Gideon type proof: small, quiet, but clear evidence of God’s presence.
When I was in the fourth grade I tried to prophecy. I thought I was a good person so I tried to make predictions. It became embarrassingly clear that I had no more ability in prophecy than anyone else. But I wondered. A few years later a voice spoke in my head a prophecy which came true a few weeks later. This was a beginning of trust in something unseen, something living, real and greater than I. From time to time I sought the voice and from time to time it spoke to me. ( though these ‘times’ didn’t always co inside). It occurred to me that there must have been others in history who would have sought God too. So I went looking for stories of their experiences. Rumi, Kabir, Mohammed, Buddha, Bahaullah, Annalee Skarin, and especially Ramakrishna among others all had experiences that gave me clues as to what to expect.
Real faith begins with an earnest, durable, undeniable request for a divine response. Never give up the prayer. Rest go about daily tasks but come back to the request and the prayer whenever possible. There will be a response. Don’t control how it comes. Words from another person or book might be the start. Usually I hear from an angel. He can be very demanding but at the same time he has been very patient and forgiving. He has led me to the experiences I needed to grow and prepare me to do God’s will.
Blessings and gifts will be offered. But in order to be prepared to receive them, discipline may be required first. Worldly desires will have to be willing set aside like children set aside their toys as they mature. Prayerfully seek and attempt the Gifts of the Spirit. We should ask God questions and not be too quick to assume we know the meaning of the scriptures. Instead let Him unfold their meaning and beauty to us.
Ramakrishna had a very interesting piece of advice for seekers of God: As you begin to come closer to God, He will give you spiritual gifts. Many, who could have been great, have allowed themselves to be distracted with these divine gifts. But just like worldly possessions, they need be set aside that the greater gift of God’s presence might be realized. It’s an interesting thought. The scriptures speak of the Gifts of the Spirit. It’s clear that they are intended for us. It’s also clear that they might help us grow. But like just like anything else they can distract from greater things.
Faith requires a lot of hard work. But like a musical ability, after the discipline comes the fun. Miracles, knowing the future, speaking in tongues, gift of knowledge, out of body traveling are all quite thrilling. Just don’t let pride and egoism end it.
David Laird Castleton
Faith
In admiration of Joseph
A few years ago I realized I didn't have a very clear and simple handle on faith. After some thought and prayer I realized that the format Joseph used to explain what commonly happened to men seeking power and authority would work well for me. I think it came out well. I felt guidance in how to say much of it. Hope you like it. David
Many seek Christ but few find him, and why do they not find him? Because their minds are so thick with the teachings of men, and hearts so set in the ways of the world, and devoted to their organizations that they do not understand this most important principle- Faith in Christ comes by grace. This favor with God cannot be
obtained nor enjoyed except by truly being Christ's disciple: loving His sheep more than self, holding precious His truth, and willing to hear His voice.
That the Holy Spirit will testify of Him is sure. But when we confine our search within a certain set of doctrines and traditions, or help divide God's children by placing our loyalty onto some institution or religion, or pursue faith with the least desire for worldly acclaim; behold, the heavens cease to commune with us and the whispering guidance of the Holy Spirit fades, and when it disappears; amen to our testimony and faith in the Lord.
Before we know it, we are left to ourselves: our darkened thoughts, unenlightened guidance, and impotent prayers.
We have learned from quiet observation that it is the inclination and tendency of almost all men, that when they learn a little about their Lord, or so they believe, they will immediately assume they know Him well. With little or no evidence to support their conclusions, they attribute to themselves great faith and wisdom.
So it is that there are many who seek Christ, but few find Him.
No religion, calling, authority, priesthood, rite, or belief in a particular doctrine can bring a man closer to the Lord than the propensities of his heart will allow. No real understanding or clear perception of our divine Lord can or ought to be obtained either through man's efforts or his religion's. But in our hearts we may prepare Him room; and in our minds a proper alter; through truly seeking righteousness, raising our ethics, forgiving all error, having lasting humility which invites God's grace, rejoicing always in the Lord's work, and being ever grateful for His gifts and patience.
No religion holds a monopoly on the body of Christ, which is His Church, His true disciples. Only Jesus can determine its membership. But to participate in and support a religion is fine, for many do well as far as they teach discipleship in Christ.
But religions, however inspired or divine their origins, are,institutions of men, who by their very nature and disposition deny to some degree and in some way, truth and light; and therefore Christ. This is why faith in Christ can never be religious loyalty. These societies do serve a vital function, providing an environment for
teaching doctrines of salvation and getting us focused on Christ. But faith is mutual trust between a man and God. Organizations of men, with their self-interests and requirements of service and devotion, often distract from, and at times even block developing faith in Christ.
Our Lord comes as one walking through forests, over the fields and streams of life, not following the paths and paved roads of men. He has His own ways and destinations. Sometimes we may catch a glimpse of Him not knowing at first what we see. He only draws near as we value these moments of grace and truth. If we lay them aside as having little worth or regard them with the least prejudice because of doctrine or men, we invite our Lord to move on.
There is no religion, cult, or movement without the kind attention of our Father. No man lives untouched by the Holy Spirit. Let's join our Savior in blessing the lives of those we touch, discovering the Christ in them; allowing Jesus to be one with us.
Let our search for meaning be always unfettered, our pursuit of faith be solely in Christ, our forgiveness ever increasing, and our only goal: God. Treasure the pearls of heaven. Cherish each movement of God in our lives. Nurture the gifts of the Spirit and enfold into oursouls every good thing.
Then shall the angels above draw near and the deceptions from below lose all hold on us. The spirits of light will seek us and the face of our Lord will not be hid from us. Vested with garment of righteousness, the fear of God will become the love of God and His commandments: His certainty. Enlarging the borders of our understanding; His reassurances will no longer threaten us. With our testimony's stake firmly planted in Christ; our peace will grow until nothing on earth can disturb it. All will be drawn to our joy and trouble will shortly pass as the night's dark dream dissolves in the morning's bright light. We will walk as walked the Savior, upon the water and into the hearts of men.
A few years ago I realized I didn't have a very clear and simple handle on faith. After some thought and prayer I realized that the format Joseph used to explain what commonly happened to men seeking power and authority would work well for me. I think it came out well. I felt guidance in how to say much of it. Hope you like it. David
Many seek Christ but few find him, and why do they not find him? Because their minds are so thick with the teachings of men, and hearts so set in the ways of the world, and devoted to their organizations that they do not understand this most important principle- Faith in Christ comes by grace. This favor with God cannot be
obtained nor enjoyed except by truly being Christ's disciple: loving His sheep more than self, holding precious His truth, and willing to hear His voice.
That the Holy Spirit will testify of Him is sure. But when we confine our search within a certain set of doctrines and traditions, or help divide God's children by placing our loyalty onto some institution or religion, or pursue faith with the least desire for worldly acclaim; behold, the heavens cease to commune with us and the whispering guidance of the Holy Spirit fades, and when it disappears; amen to our testimony and faith in the Lord.
Before we know it, we are left to ourselves: our darkened thoughts, unenlightened guidance, and impotent prayers.
We have learned from quiet observation that it is the inclination and tendency of almost all men, that when they learn a little about their Lord, or so they believe, they will immediately assume they know Him well. With little or no evidence to support their conclusions, they attribute to themselves great faith and wisdom.
So it is that there are many who seek Christ, but few find Him.
No religion, calling, authority, priesthood, rite, or belief in a particular doctrine can bring a man closer to the Lord than the propensities of his heart will allow. No real understanding or clear perception of our divine Lord can or ought to be obtained either through man's efforts or his religion's. But in our hearts we may prepare Him room; and in our minds a proper alter; through truly seeking righteousness, raising our ethics, forgiving all error, having lasting humility which invites God's grace, rejoicing always in the Lord's work, and being ever grateful for His gifts and patience.
No religion holds a monopoly on the body of Christ, which is His Church, His true disciples. Only Jesus can determine its membership. But to participate in and support a religion is fine, for many do well as far as they teach discipleship in Christ.
But religions, however inspired or divine their origins, are,institutions of men, who by their very nature and disposition deny to some degree and in some way, truth and light; and therefore Christ. This is why faith in Christ can never be religious loyalty. These societies do serve a vital function, providing an environment for
teaching doctrines of salvation and getting us focused on Christ. But faith is mutual trust between a man and God. Organizations of men, with their self-interests and requirements of service and devotion, often distract from, and at times even block developing faith in Christ.
Our Lord comes as one walking through forests, over the fields and streams of life, not following the paths and paved roads of men. He has His own ways and destinations. Sometimes we may catch a glimpse of Him not knowing at first what we see. He only draws near as we value these moments of grace and truth. If we lay them aside as having little worth or regard them with the least prejudice because of doctrine or men, we invite our Lord to move on.
There is no religion, cult, or movement without the kind attention of our Father. No man lives untouched by the Holy Spirit. Let's join our Savior in blessing the lives of those we touch, discovering the Christ in them; allowing Jesus to be one with us.
Let our search for meaning be always unfettered, our pursuit of faith be solely in Christ, our forgiveness ever increasing, and our only goal: God. Treasure the pearls of heaven. Cherish each movement of God in our lives. Nurture the gifts of the Spirit and enfold into oursouls every good thing.
Then shall the angels above draw near and the deceptions from below lose all hold on us. The spirits of light will seek us and the face of our Lord will not be hid from us. Vested with garment of righteousness, the fear of God will become the love of God and His commandments: His certainty. Enlarging the borders of our understanding; His reassurances will no longer threaten us. With our testimony's stake firmly planted in Christ; our peace will grow until nothing on earth can disturb it. All will be drawn to our joy and trouble will shortly pass as the night's dark dream dissolves in the morning's bright light. We will walk as walked the Savior, upon the water and into the hearts of men.
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