A Pathway to God.

                            

Modern people do not want to be told how to behave or what to do to qualify for acceptance by the Church.

Modern people want to experience God directly.

This is why so many have embraced yoga and Buddhism with their meditation practises that lead to personal enlightenment.

But a way still exists in the Christian religion.

This is the way of the heart.

When asked which was the greatest commandment Jesus said, "'"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you mind."  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'"  Matthew 22:37-40 (NRSV)

So to love God and to love God in our neighbor is the essence of Christianity.

If we practise these things something happens.

Jesus also said, "'You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."  But I say to you.  Do not resist an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.  Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.'"  Matthew 38-42 (NRSV)
"'You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say to you.  Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.'"  Matthew 5:43-45 (NRSV)

If you practise these things something happens.

As with all spiritual development, however, we cannot limit our practise to one aspect only.

If we meditate on the meaning of the scriptures and immerse ourselves using spiritual images and classical choral and sacred music we may find that God draws near to us and we experience God's presence.

Along with contemplation come study and prayer and action.

But if we are sincere in our desire to know God and open our hearts these things will combine to open a pathway to God.  


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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