Eric Butterworth, in his wonderful book, “Unity, a Quest for Truth,” says, on page 24 “There are many definitions of religion, but it is Unity’s belief that the essence of religion is the consciousness of God.” Before we go on, because of the tendency of our human mind to come up with its own interpretation of words, we should seek a definition of the word, consciousness.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines consciousness as: “Quality or state of being aware, especially of something within oneself.” Using this definition, we are clearly understanding that Unity believes our spiritual path is a journey that returns us to an awareness that we are the essence of God and everything we are looking for is already within us. That’s who we are. That’s who you are. Jesus affirms this startling idea when he tells us in Luke 17:21, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.”
So, if this is true, how come we cannot create miracles like Jesus? How come we struggle, suffer, and deal with problematic issues in our lives? Shouldn’t we be able to overcome these tribulations of life and experience the promise of Jesus the Christ when he told us, It’s the Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom?
I believe Jesus gave us an answer to that question when he answered a similar question from Nicodemus in John 3:3 when he said, “If a man is not born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” The phrase, born again was an idiom that was used in the local language which meant to “change one’s thoughts and habits.” Jesus goes on in John 3:6 and says, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” This takes us back to Webster's definition of consciousness that says, “being aware especially of something within oneself.”
The question for each of us then becomes: are we aware that God is within us, ready to guide us, direct us and love us? Are we conscious of the God Presence within us or are we oblivious to who we really are? Jesus shares with us the spiritual path that is laid out for our return to this awareness of our Christ Self.
Our spiritual community shares the simple ideas in the teachings of Jesus that allow us to slowly become aware of that spiritual self that we are. The conundrum occurs when we forget who we are, forget that we are the Christ in the stages of awakening, and get sucked back into the energies of the material world.
There is nothing more precious than everyone’s expression of their Divine Self. Our world returns to a Garden of Eden experience when that occurs. Our job in this incarnation is to find the path, stay on the path, and return to our true Christ Self as suggested by our master teacher, Jesus the Christ, who did say, “These things I do you shall do, and even greater things shall you do.” John 14:12.
The answers to life’s challenges are within. You are complete and whole just as you are, no matter what you have done or where you have been. We encourage you to seek a spiritual path, (with us or a community of your choice) and commit to finding your own spiritual kingdom within. A consciousness of God Within.
I love you,
Rev. Robert