Lessons In Truth - Lesson 12 - Annotation 4
Is there any real wall of difference between the various religious sects? What will break down all the seeming walls and barriers between the sects?
4. No, there is no real wall of difference separating religious sects, for all have but one goal -- to know God consciously. Whatever appears as a wall of difference, or separation, has been built up by man through ignorance of the Truth.
Every sect is made up of people, and deep within each person is the longing to know God. However, each one will interpret this desire and work for its fulfillment in the way that suits him. When a number of persons are at the same level of soul unfoldment, they tend to band together in their search. It is very short-sighted for groups to set up invisible mental and emotional barriers when all are in reality seeking the same thing -- a conscious acquaintance with their indwelling Lord!
Many sects have felt that they alone have the full Truth, and some have put great emphasis on outer ritual and ceremony, losing sight of the truth:
"Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" (Mal. 2:10).
and "God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34).
Lessons In Truth 12:7 suggests that the relation between God and man is like that of a wheel and its spokes; the hub represents God, and the spokes represent every man. The nearer we come in consciousness to the hub -- God -- the nearer we come to understanding pur brothers of every color, race, and creed, When we feel that we are standing in the very presence of God "in the secret place", then we lose all sense of separation, and know only oneness. With this broader view of our fellow man we can truly follow the edict to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matt. 22:39) and see each one as the beloved of God, walking the path to the Father's house in the way that is right for him.
Only understanding of the "unity of the Spirit" can remove all the seeming walls and barriers that prevent men from living in freedom and peace, and especially with regard to their ways of worshipping. Love must be linked with understanding in order that we may follow Jesus' commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (i.e. recognize our neighbor's divinity). We will no longer expect others to live or worship in the same way that we do. We will see the reason for diversity of expression of the one life, one substance, one intelligence that we call God. We will see, too, the reason for diversity of methods in worshipping, but we will also feel a loving fellowship with every man in worshipping the one God, the Father of all.
________________________
Preceding Entry: Is there any limit to God? What limits the manifestation of God in our life?
Following Entry: Can people of all beliefs get help from God?
