How I Used Truth - Lesson 3 - Annotation 8
How can we tell whether or not we are using His name righteously?
8. We can tell if we are using God's name (I AM) righteously by the results that come into our lives. This does not mean just those things we can see with our physical eyes, but everything that affects our lives. The text, on page 44, in referring to this question states:
"That which we have been receiving will tell the story. Jesus said that if they asked rightly in His name, their 'joy would be made full.' Is your joy full? If not, then give heed to your asking" (How I Used Truth 44).
Joy is not confined just to material things or conditions; its deeper realization is in the inner values of the mind and spirit. In Paul's letter to the Galatians, verses 22 and 23 of the fifth chapter, we read:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
The manifestation of outer forms of good alone does not "tell the story." We are to use rightly the power of I AM, which is God's creative power in us as our formative power of thought. If we identify ourselves only with that which is Godlike, then we will show forth love, joy, peace, and all of the "fruit of the Spirit"; the manifest results in body and affairs will follow naturally and in divine order. However, we need also to consider Jesus' statement in John 7:24:
"Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
The "righteous judgment" will be that which views "that which we have been receiving" from the standpoint of the "fruit of the Spirit."
If we are truly applying the I AM powers (i.e., using His name righteously), there will be a change in our attitude toward life even though the manifest appearance may not yet have changed. Our part is not to judge by the appearance but to "judge righteous judgment." In so doing we are faithful to the prayer times that enable us to see ourselves as God created us, endowed with power to accomplish. Probably one of the greatest proofs we will have that we are using His name righetously will be our constant realization of God's Presence. This will result in peace of mind, awareness of God's constant protection, and loving compassion toward other persons. Manifest experiences, as well as the inner life of the soul, will change as we become aware of what it really means to use His name, I AM, righteously.
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Preceding Entry: What did Jesus mean by the statement: "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full" (John 16:24)?
Following Entry: Explain how all power is given to the Christ.
