Whenever we may feel “separated” from God, we need to understand who is at fault. We can be sure that we are the ones who have moved and not Him. For the truth is that God’s presence can never be missing from us. We are temples of God’s Spirit and apart from Him we couldn’t exist. So, whenever we feel “separated” it is more that we are just lacking in an awareness of God’s presence than actually being “separated” from Him.

This lack of awareness is a consequence of our moving into ignorance and darkness. And we move further into ignorance and darkness by living from a closed heart rather than an open one. Now we close our hearts when we prefer or choose to act selfishly, rather than SELFLESSLY.

Therefore, the challenge to us as spiritual beings is to learn how to reawaken & continually be aware of God’s presence at all times by seeking to open our hearts to the world through living a more selfless life.

Selfishness, above all other things, has the greatest effect on our attunement to God. And truhtfully, all the sinful actions mentioned in any of the world’s holy books all originate from our selfish desires and choices: “Where selfishness is every kind of evil thing exists” (James 3:16).

For example:

• GREED & GLUTTONY – are derived from our selfish desire to want more for our self.
• PRIDE – is the selfish notion that we are somehow or in some way better or superior to another, i.e. selfishly putting ourselves above another person.
• ENVY, STEALING (Theft), and even MURDER – arise from a selfish desire to want to take or possess something that another has.
• LUST – stems from the selfish desire to satisfy our own physical pleasures
• ADULTERY -the selfish desire to have another person who is in a relationship with someone else.
• Etc…

Therefore, we cannot expect to continually feel the presence of God and His love until we have learned how to be more selfless in our daily lives. In fact, the application of selfless living; learning to love or be compassionate towards all beings; and desiring what’s best for humanity rather than just one’s self is the work that must be done in order to have a true spiritual transformation.

There is a great difference between believing in God and having a continued awareness of Him; and selfless living helps us to elevate our consciousness so that we can be more fully aware of God’s presence. To move beyond just belieiving in God and to fully awaken to God’s Spirit we must begin to act in accord with spiritual things. We must apply the fruits of the spirit, i.e. love, compassion, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, etc… into our daily lives.

Now, it can be a real struggle for us to remain spiritual in this world at all times. The ways of this world will try to knock and tempt us off the path continually. Therefore, it will require time, patience, & persistence to stay true. But, always look towards the power within yourself.

Remember that the truly spiritual individual is the one who has learned how to open their heart so that God can shine forth wherever they go and no matter what they get in response to their selfless actions. Jesus was ridiculed, & persecuted for his love; there is a story of a man who spit on the Buddha for His compassion. Yet, both Buddha & Jesus remained unaffected by these ignorant reactions from the world and were able to remain calm in God’s presence.

“The way is not in the sky the way is in the heart” – The Buddha

“Love one another… The kingdom of God is within you…Bless those who curse you, do good for those who hate you, & pray for those who use & persecute you.” – Jesus

I pray that we all may be able to cultivate as open a heart, and live as spiritually in the world, as they did.

God bless you on your journey. And remember to always – Heed the Spirit,

Anthony