Obviously, this viewpoint is causing a lot of controversy. But traditional medicine has always recognized the power of Placebos as a healing agent, and the pharmaceutical industry uses placebos as the foundation of its multi-billion dollar drug industry. But the rise of alternative medicine and integrative medicine is changing the way the medical community is practicing medicine. And there’s one thing the medical community has always known about Placebos – they work!

But what about Spiritual Placebos? What about the power of believing? The Placebo Effect is essentially an inside-out process. We know that thoughts underwrite our reality. The power of the universe is localized in our consciousness.

Prayer, faith, positive affirmations, visualization, healing touch, meditation, and denying the power of outer appearances are all powerful Placebos. And they work because they are the out-picturing of our consciousness!

By the way, the word ‘placebo’ can be traced back to the 14^th C when it was used in vesper services. It derives from the Latin translation which was a mistranslation of Psalm 116:9, “Placebo domino in regione vivorum,” which means, “I will please the Lord in the land of the living.”

Metaphysically, ‘please’ means ‘to apply,’ and ‘Lord’ means ‘Mind’ and ‘the land of the living’ means ‘for the sake of the body.’ So, metaphysically interpreted, Psalm 116:9 reads: “I will apply  mind power for the sake of the body.

So, you see, we don’t have to please a God ‘out there.’ We are not separated from God at all. We are God expressing at the point of us. We are the architects of placebo power!

But wait — there’s more! There is also such a thing as the Nocebo Effect, which is the opposite of the Placebo Effect. Nocebos worsen symptoms and cause harm.

In 2001, researchers stumbled onto a striking finding: People who believed that they were prone to heart disease were nearly four times as likely to die from a heart attack or stroke as people with similar risk factors who didn’t hold such fatalistic views.

In other words, the higher risk of death had nothing to with the usual heart disease culprits — age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, excessive weight. Instead, it tracked closely with the power of belief. Think sick, be sick. Think a disease is fatal, and chances are it will be fatal.

“When people are convinced that something is going to go wrong, it usually becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Dr. Arthur Barsky, a psychiatrist at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was inviting his peers to pay closer attention to the nocebo effect.

“Surgeons are wary of people who are convinced that they will die,” says Herbert Benson, a Harvard professor and president of Mind/Body Medical Institute in Boston. He goes on to say: “There are examples of studies done on people undergoing surgery who seem to prefer to die in order to re-contact a loved one. Close to 99 percent of people under those circumstances die.”

Placebos and Nocebos, it seems, are very definitely mind over molecules.

In fact, it’s our belief or non-belief in something, whatever that something is, that determines whether we do or don’t, heal or suffer, live or just exist, move on or stay stuck in the past.

And when we apply that truth to our human experience, it is the voltage of our faith (or the amperage of our lack of faith) which makes us or breaks us.

When it comes to the Placebo Power of faith, there are no unattainables. There are no incurables. Because faith has the voltage to move mountains.

When we are faith-full, we will no longer fear or fret about the circumstances in which we find ourselves, or doubt the power of the mind to heal, or doubt in our ability to manifest what we desire.

Why? Because the placebo power of faith moves mountains. And the size of those mountains doesn’t matter because they are no match for the placebo power of faith.

You can listen to a powerful message by Rev. Bil Holton entitled The Placebo Effect, by clicking here and scrolling to the podcast entitled The Placebo Effect.

About the authors: In addition to their work with The Metaphysical Website, Revs. Drs. Bil and Cher Holton are co-ministers of a growing church in Durham, NC. They are prolific authors, dynamic speakers, and master facilitators. Learn more by visiting them at www.TheMetaphysicalWebsite.com

No matter what the context, the message is very powerful ~ Let’s take a look at the literal version, with some metaphysical interpretation thrown in. Here’s the first part:

27 “But to you who are listening I say: [I love this phrase. Jesus knew not everyone was paying attention! After all, He was speaking outside; there were lots of people; children were running around; side conversations were occurring. He also knew this message wasn’t for everyone! He knew only some in the crowd were ready to hear it! Didn’t bother Him! He threw it out there because He understood the power of the message, and knew the impact it would have on those who followed it!]  

Love your enemies [I’m pretty sure some folks shut him off right then!], do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [And now the big summary statement, what we call the Golden Rule]: 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Even from a literal point of view, this is a powerful teaching … and one not easily followed. I mean, love our enemies? Do good to those who hate us; bless those  who curse us; pray for those who mistreat us? Come on … really??  This is tough, because our human self loves to hold on to grudges and hurt feelings; we seem to find enjoyment in reliving the stories of past mistreatment, and find it difficult to let go of resentments and judgments. So we carry them like badges of honor – but these badges carry a heavy weight … and a heavy price.

Jesus actually acknowledges how difficult this is later in the chapter, when he says:

    32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. ³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶ Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

He’s saying (and I’m paraphrasing a little), “Hey, anyone can love someone who loves them! It’s a piece of cake to be nice to people who are good to you. Don’t get all proud-feeling about yourself for doing that! It’s no big deal! Here’s the tough challenge: Love those people who are unlovable – the ones who treat you badly; who cut you off in traffic; who steal your parking space; who take credit for your ideas at work; who shower you with verbal – and maybe even physical – abuse. Love these folks! That’s the deal! And by the way. Don’t expect anything in return. You do this because it is the highest and best thing for you to do, and you will have a great reward.

Tough enough to do, just from the literal. But we know that from a metaphysical level, this goes even deeper, because it is talking about what is going on within us! So from the New Metaphysical Version, we see that from a spiritual perspective, this passage is saying we will deepen our Truth walk if we extend unconditional love to every aspect of ourselves, including our ego-driven thoughts  that seek to deny our Divinity (enemies). When we have those error thoughts that give power to the world of appearance – when we experience doubt, fear, anger, or anything that is not a reflection of Truth, we need to just acknowledge them – say “Thank you for sharing!” – give them no power other than the power of unconditional love, which transforms them into positive energy.

And we must not give any power or energy to personal attacks, ridicule, false accusations, or slights against us, but instead simply bless those who are involved.

To “metaphysicalize” the Golden Rule, we must see the Christ in and as others, just the way we want others to see the Christ in and as us!

When we are serious students of Truth, we are able to share our “light” without expecting any form of material compensation, because we know true giving IS receiving.

Okay – these are big requests … asking us to make the decision of Love as the great harmonizer and healer. Sounds wonderful … but we all know from personal experience how truly difficult this can be. So, here are a couple of “adventures” to help you put this teaching into practice – from the literal and metaphysical levels!

How to Make Love Your Decision

There is overwhelming evidence that forgiveness has a positive impact on you psychologically, physiologically, emotionally, and even spiritually. An article published by the Mayo clinic states that: “Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
• Less anxiety, stress and hostility
• Lower blood pressure
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse”

Wow! Who wouldn’t want these things? Use this knowledge to inspire you to decide to forgive.

Adventure #1: Forgive & Release: Choose a person with whom you are currently feeling some anger, resentment, bitterness, or grudge … and you know you are hanging on to it. Maybe you are waiting for them to ask for forgiveness .. maybe it is so huge, you don’t feel capable of even thinking of forgiveness. I want to emphasize that this adventure is not for them. It is for YOU! It is an opportunity to get rid of the weight of this emotional baggage, and create a space for love in your heart. Take some time to go into a quiet state of being, and gently, lovingly explore your feelings. Breathe yourself through the process of asking yourself:

• What emotions am I feeling related to this situation?
• What specifically happened? I call this “Naming Your Heart Weight.” By describing it clearly, you make friends with it, so it can no longer take power over your consciousness. You are, in effect, loving the enemy of your error thoughts.
• Now comes the big question – take a deep breath – and ask yourself: How is holding on to these emotions serving me? What am I getting by continuing to harbor this grudge, tell this story, fuel this anger? You might be surprised by the answers that arise. You might get sympathy from others; or attention; or an opportunity to go into a self-inflicted period of rest (as you brood). Perhaps you enjoy the energy of talking about how mistreated you have been. There are lots of side benefits we fail to acknowledge that keep us hanging on to heavy weights.

Once you have answered these questions, it’s time to decide. Ask yourself this question: What if I let go of the weight of this burden? What if I could experience the freedom of forgiveness? Am I ready to let it go?

If you cannot say yes, then I would refer you back to the question: What am I getting from holding on? And then ask, what would I get by letting go?

Then, as you decide to make LOVE your decision, symbolically seal the decision in some way: a bowl burning; bury it; flush it; write a letter; create an affirmation; draw a forgiveness logo picture … do something that seals the deal.

Then Forgive and Release! Some say forgive and forget, which is totally unrealistic! We say forgive and release – let the hurt go. Now here’s my own experience. When it is something painful and deep – when you feel you have really been betrayed or violated – it doesn’t happen immediately. (Sometimes it can – but usually it takes a real commitment to the process.) This means that every time a thought about the person or incident arises in your mind, you:

• acknowledge it [Oh, hi! Are you back again? I thought I let you go!]
• affirm for each person involved that you have forgiven and released them
• affirm their highest and best, sending them a blessing
• recommit to your desire to forgive and release, and allow the energy of pure love to flow through your entire being, saturating you with the lightness of forgiveness. You refuse to pick that burden up and carry it again!

From a metaphysical perspective, forgiveness means to give up the false for the true. Forgiveness does not mean you condone what someone does; it does not mean you do not hold people accountable for their actions. Forgiveness means you no longer allow their actions to hold you hostage emotionally. It means you are able to see the Christ in and as them, and you are willing to free them to move on.

If you find yourself starting to tell the story, stop! Just reframe it, and say something like “I’m not giving energy to this anymore!”

And now—Adventure #2: Mirror Image: look at yourself in a mirror, and make Love your decision for yourself. Say (yes, out loud!) “I love you! I forgive you for anything you have said, thought, or done that is not the Truth of who you are. In this moment, I now see the Christ in and as you, and I love you, I accept you, just the way you are. You are worthy. You are divine. [Now make the switch to I AM] I am worthy! I am Divine! I am Love … I live from Love … I bring Love to every situation … I show up as harmony and peace. I am Love. Love is my Decision…

And in love, I walk the spiritual path on practical feet.

You’ve Gotta Have Heart! Anyone surprised at this title? For those who may not know, Rev. Bil Holton has just successfully gone through open heart surgery, for an aortic valve replacement and single bypass. It became very obvious to us these past two weeks how true the statement “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” is, from a literal sense! You’ve gotta have heart, and that heart has gotta be in good working order! And we are so grateful to all the surgeons, healthcare team, and medical ingenuity that has made it possible for Bil to “have heart!”

But there is so much more to that phrase, beyond the literal (just like scripture!). Consider the passage from Mark 11:23, which says: “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

This passage is powerful, because it is telling us that as we face the challenges of the world of appearance, it is easy to perceive them as insurmountable in our minds (mountains). But when we stand in our Truth and affirm that we are stronger than any issue or challenge we might face (says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’) and say it with conviction and belief, we can walk through it in faith with grace and overcome.

But let’s pay particular attention to six powerful little words – no word exceeds 5 letters, and each word is only one syllable. The six words are: “does not doubt in their heart.” This is the key to manifesting the Truth of who you are! This is the key to abundant living! This is the key to living from a place of total connection with your Christ Self. Do not doubt in your heart!

From a metaphysical perspective, heart is the visible expression of an invisible center of consciousness. It is the center from which the divine substance is poured forth. We like to call it the Domain of the Divine. When we are using our heart centers, we send forth loving energy — light — that affects and impacts everyone and everything around us.

So, how can we live from a “Gotta Have Heart” mentality? Just think HEART, and from that consciousness, notice how it affects how you feel, and how others react and respond to you. When you live from a “Gotta Have Heart” mentality, you:

Happily,

Enthusiastically,

Affirmatively

Resonate

Truth.

Let’s pull this acronym apart a little, starting with the verb: RESONATE. One definition of resonate means to have an effect or impact beyond that which is immediately apparent. This is what happens when we live from the Truth of who we are.

Let’s look at the formula for a minute, because it isn’t as simplistic as it sounds! Living from a “Gotta Have Heart” perspective is an intentional way of being … and it requires awareness and connection. It takes practice — but just like any activity improves with practice, so does “Gotta Have Heart” Living. There are three qualifiers to consider in the formula — and each qualifier offers you an adventure activity for the week:

Happily … this means that when you are doing something — ANYTHING — you come from a place of joy. You aren’t acting from an attitude of obligation or a sense of duty; you aren’t feeling like a martyr. You feel that reservoir of joy bubbling up from within you, and your entire being sends that joy out to others.

This week, as you find yourself facing responsibilities or duties that must be done, take a moment before you start. Breathe deeply, go to your heart center, and affirm: I go forth and do this with great joy! It seems like such a simple thing – but what you are doing is setting the intention; making the commitment. Then notice how that affects everything you do, as well as how others respond to you. When you live from a “Gotta Have Heart” attitude, you do what is yours to do Happily.

Enthusiastically — this means you are on the lookout for ways to let your light shine! You bring energy to what you do, and you allow the Divine Power of Zeal to underwrite your actions. I don’t mean you are bouncing off the walls! I mean you send out an energy of authenticity and passion, because you are using the gifts that are uniquely yours. Everything you do is accompanied by this powerful energy, because you only do what you are inspired to do, from your inner wisdom — that still small voice. Remember Charles Fillmore’s quote: I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm, and I spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that need to be done by me.”

This week, take time to truly identify what is yours to do, what are your gifts and how can you share them with the world; then spring forth with faith as you sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm in your actions — and notice how that affects everything you do, as well as how others respond to you. When you live from a “Gotta Have Heart” attitude, you do what is yours to do Enthusiastically.

Affirmatively — this means you consciously keep your mind filled with positive affirmations of Truth, and refuse to give any power to error thinking or the world of appearance.

This week, be aware of your thoughts, because your thoughts lead to your words, and your words impact others more than you can ever know. Look for opportunities to speak affirmative words of faith, of health, of support to others — and notice how that affects everything you do, as well as how others respond to you. When you live from a “Gotta Have Heart” attitude, you do what is yours to do Affirmatively.

When you really focus on doing what you do Happily, Enthusiastically, and Affirmatively, it really does Resonate Truth — a Truth that passes all understanding, and all misunderstanding! A Truth that sends out a light that encompasses everyone in its path — a Truth that creates a ripple effect, and continues long after you are gone. When you live from a “Gotta Have Heart” perspective, you are never the same — and no one with whom you come in contact is ever the same again. Everyone is lifted to a new level of Consciousness. And that’s how you walk the spiritual path on practical, “Gotta Have Heart” Feet!

Unless the surface is restored, strip mining can leave behind large areas of infertile wasteland. What was once the underlying soil and rock becomes what the industry calls the new overburden. Nothing grows on it.

In terms of our spiritual growth, if we ‘strip mine’ self-defeating thoughts, attitudes, habits, and behaviors off the surface of our life to get at our underlying spiritual core, but neglect to fill our consciousness with truth principles and practices – we create a new overburden of worldly thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that soil our consciousness.

That’s what the story in Luke 11:24-26 means. Here’s the passage, from the New International Version:

²⁴ “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ ²⁵ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 

In other words, when we cleanse (strip mine) our house (our consciousness) of error, but fail to replace error with Truth principles or daily spiritual practices, we create a void in awareness (the house is swept clean).

²⁶ Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself (that is the 7 deadly sins), and they go in and live there. (That is, false beliefs and habits will return) And the final condition of that person is worse than before.” (Our bad habits become even more pronounced).

We want you to remember this story from Luke’s Gospel when you tackle this prescription, entitled Spiritual Junk Pile Management. Here’s how this prescription works. Write at the top of a postcard or Post It Note the following statement: The most demeaning, annoying, and humiliating self-imposed rules, personal habits, assumptions, inclinations, addictions, or beliefs I have allowed to block my greater good are …

Write ‘self-imposed rules’ at the top of a postcard or Post It Note, then write ‘personal habits’ at the top of another; and ‘assumptions’ at the top … (you get the picture).

Spend the next 30 to 45 minutes conducting a no-nonsense self-assessment by listing as many of those demeaning and humiliating annoyances as you can on each card. If you have to use a second card or Post It Note for each category.

At the end of the time you have allotted leave the postcards or Post It Notes on the table or desktop where you’ve been working. During the rest of the day add to the lists as you think of annoyances that fit the categories. The collection of demeaning and humiliating annoyances is your ‘junk pile.’

Allow the ‘junk pile’ to simmer over night. In the morning, after your second cup of coffee or tea, sit in front of your junk pile with a sheet of paper (one for each postcard or Post It Note) and ask yourself the following questions:

• What is it about these annoyances that has kept me attached to them for so long?
• How do they interfere with my spiritual growth and human happiness?
• How have they blocked my greater good?
• Why have I allowed myself to be held hostage by them?

Record your answers on the sheet of paper.

Select one demeaning or humiliating annoyance from each postcard or Post It Note. Do what you need to do to eliminate each of the initial set of annoyances. Once you’ve eliminated the initial set of annoyances select the second set of annoyances and repeat the process.

Continue to downsize the junk pile until you have eliminated all of the annoyances. (Yes, this is quite a process. So, you’ll want to get started as soon as possible).

Your spiritual growth and human happiness will rise exponentially every time you eliminate an annoyance. Each annoyance represents a layer of crust that keeps your inner light from shinning. It’s a manifestation of the negativity bias that needs to go.

Each time you lift a layer you will inch your way a little bit closer to aligning your human self with your Christ Self. The better you get at ‘junk pile’ management the clearer your path will be toward letting your Christ Light shine.

Part 1: Looking Back 

Grab a pen and quickly jot down your first-impression answers to the following questions:

• What was the best decision I made in 2011?
• What was the one thing I would change about 2011 if I could?
• What was the most exciting and fun thing I did in 2011?
• What was the best lesson I learned in 2011?
• Who made the biggest impact on my life in 2011?
• What was the best book I read in 2011? Why?
• What was the best movie I saw in 2011? Why?
• What one change did I make that was worth the risk in 2011?
• What was the biggest change in my Spiritual practice in 2011?

Part 2: Looking Forward

Now jot down your first-impression answers to these questions:

• If I could capture my vision for 2012 in just ONE WORD, what would that word be?
• What is my biggest fear as I move into 2012?
• What idea keeps popping into my Consciousness that really excites me?
• What three changes would I like to make in my life experience during 2012?
• If I could make just one change in my personal Spiritual practice during 2012, what would it be?
• What can I use as my personal  motivator, to keep me moving forward when the world of appearance gets in my way?

Part 3: Reflection

Read over everything you have captured in your responses to the questions above. Then, go into the Silence and allow Spirit to reveal your plan for 2012. Be aware of the Divine Ideas that flow to you, and allow yourself to recognize your worthiness to receive the abundance that is ready to unfold before you this amazing year! Capture your thoughts and reflections in your journal, and use these notes to move you into the best year you have ever experienced … as you walk the spiritual path on practical feet!

We hope you enjoy our metaphysical treatments of some classic Christmas tunes. Let’s start with ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain.’

The lyrics from this week’s song begin with the verses:

Go tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere.

It’s metaphysical interpretation goes like this: We must cultivate (go tell) a high level of spiritual awareness (mountain) beyond traditional religious beliefs (over the hills) and general religious knowledge (everywhere).

That Jesus Christ is born.

So that we become consciously aware of the Christ Presence incarnating as us (Jesus Christ is born).

While shepherds watched their silent flocks by night.

Our innately attuned spiritual proclivities (shepherds) influence latent spiritual energies (watch over silent flocks) which are quickening but still dampened by an unenlightened ego (night).

Behold throughout the heavens there shown a holy light.

This inner awakening is possible (Behold) because the Christ Presence (holy light) permeates our conscious, subconscious, and super-conscious states of mind (heavens).

Shepherds feared and trembled when above the earth,

Our protective spiritual inclinations (shepherds) become electrified and expectant (fear and tremble) as our heightened awareness transcends the limitations of our worldly consciousness (earth).

Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.

We become joyfully receptive to the higher spiritual energies (the angel chorus) that confirm (hail) our conscious awareness that we are human expressions of Christ in physical form (the Savior’s birth).

Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born.

Our sense-coated instincts (lowly manger) are underwritten by our Christ Nature (the humble Christ is born).

God sent us salvation on that blessed Christmas morn.

Our ability to raise our thoughts, words, and actions to their highest spiritual octaves (salvation) allows us to become fully aware of our divinely inherited Christ nature (blessed Christmas morn).

We hope from this reading you can see why we prefer a metaphysical treatment over the literal interpretations of scripture and songs based on those literal interpretations. Literal interpretations do not bring the depth needed to understand universal truths. As serious Truth students, teachers, and practitioners, we want to help raise the spiritual consciousness of humankind one thought, one verse, one song at a time.

This week’s adventure of Advent is to be consciously aware of your sense of expectation …  so you can “Go Tell It On the Mountain” with everything you do! Here are a couple of ways to approach it:

Expect a Joyful Experience! Instead of dreading what you must do, expect it to be fun! Set yourself up to enjoy the moment by consciously setting that intention. Our family has an interesting little light-up decoration that plays a holiday carol. When we all get together, someone will turn it on, and we all exclaim, “The fun light is on!” We expect our time together to be joyful — and it is! As you enter this special season, be the one to turn the fun light on! Set out with the inner thought of Joy. (With everything you do, no matter what it is, begin with the affirmation “I do this with joy!”) Send out joy to others with a smile, a kind word, a thoughtful deed. And watch for the reaction!

Expect a Peaceful Experience, knowing you are God expressing. God is Peace ~ so YOU are peace! Now more than ever, when you are feeling the most rushed and frazzled, you must make quiet time for meditation and prayer. Go to headquarters, making time to be still and listen, expecting the answers to come! It may be you need to say “no” to a request; choose to keep things more simple; discover new ways to get things done more easily. Remember the metaphysical interpretation of go Tell It on the Mountain: We have the ability to raise our thoughts, words, and actions to their highest spiritual octaves! When we do that, we are peace, no matter what the world of appearance throws at us!

Expect an enriched Spiritual Experience. As we focus on the real meaning of Christmas, we realize we are Divine—we are worthy. We can come from the mountain of our highest, most elevated level of awareness, and use this time leading up to Christmas to prepare us for the holiest of celebrations. As we move into this season with Great Expectations (expecting a joyful experience; expecting a peaceful experience, and expecting an enriched Spiritual experience), we can “Go Tell It on the Mountain” that we claim our Oneness, knowing the Christ born in Jesus is the same Christ born in us.

Consider the following lyrics as a Spiritual version of the chorus to Go Tell It On the Mountain:

May you truly raise your awareness and Go Tell It On the Mountain … as you walk the spiritual path on practical, expectant feet.

GoTell It On The Mountain-Metaphysical Interpretation: Complimentary Download

First, let’s read it from a traditional version: The New American Standard Bible:

 ¹⁴Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?

 ¹⁵Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,

 ¹⁶Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ”I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their god, and they shall be my people.

¹⁷“Therefore, Come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. ”And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.

¹⁸“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.

Now for the Spiritual Perspective! Wait till you experience the difference!

Here is the metaphysical interpretation:

¹⁴ We must decide whether or not we want to be serious about our spiritual growth. If we want to take our Truth walks seriously we must refrain from filling our consciousness with error thoughts (unbelievers). It is easy to see that right thinking (righteousness) and wayward inclinations (lawlessness) are irreconcilable. The same thing goes for embracing our divinity (the light) and denying or neglecting it (darkness).

¹⁵ What possible connection is there between our innate Divinity (the Christ) and an anthropomorphic deifying of the abject denial of our divinity [the illusionary figure called Belial or the Adversary (Satan)]? What do polarities like spiritual aspirations (believers) and material ambitions (unbelievers) have in common?

 ¹⁶ Where is the compatibility between a Christed consciousness (temple of god) and one prone to self-aggrandizement (idols)? The truth is we are God expressing through the Christ as us! When the Christ [God in physicality] incarnated as us (dwelled in them) becoming enfleshed as us (be their god, our thoughts and inclinations will be absolutely positively divine (they shall be my people).

¹⁷ Therefore, we must keep our thoughts, emotions, and actions Christed instead of worldly (come out from their midst). We must refrain from (do not touch) baser materialistic instincts (what is unclean).

¹⁸ When we elevate our thinking we have conscious access to Divine Mind (I will be a father to you), and our thoughts (sons) and emotions (daughters) will be in alignment with our divine nature.

Chapter 7

¹ Even though we may have a powerful, compelling thought (man), it is best if we do not stay fixated on it (marry). We must keep an open mind if we expect to grow spiritually.

Actually, this verse is a kind of mystery – one of those hidden messages – and the clue is in the very word giving us the problem: ASK. We must look at that word from a spiritual perspective — a metaphysical interpretation. The word “Ask” should really be interpreted as “Declare.” From this perspective, an example would be asking the spigot for water, or asking the wall outlet for light. We may not understand the specifics of how the principles of running water or electricity work, but we know they are principles we depend on. We don’t go up to the sink, get on our knees, and beg for water. We simply “work the principle!”

In our work, we have long used a fun phrase as one of our basic principles for success: Don’t suffer from a pain in the Ask! Be sure you get that last word right – ASK!

Do you realize how fearful people are of asking? I once had a professor who said, “Ask questions! Here’s the deal: you can feel dumb for five minutes while you ask, or be dumb for a lifetime because you don’t ask!” Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?

So what does that have to do with our spiritual experiences? How does it relate to receiving all we ask for? What does it mean to ask, believing we have received? To understand that, you need to read between the lines, and see the word ASK as a word that holds three spiritual clues to how we are to “Declare.”

Affirm it!  •  See it!  • Know it!

Affirm It! This means you speak it as if it is already a done deal … from a consciousness of abundance rather than from a consciousness of lack. Listen to the words you speak — they will tell you where your consciousness is! Are you focused on what you don’t have? Make the mental shift to affirming what it is you are seeking. Say it in positive terms, and say it with energy!

Affirming your requests transforms your magnetic field, so you actually begin attracting your desires to you. Now here’s a little secret: instead of affirming a specific outcome, try affirming the essence of what you want. (For example, instead of affirming  ”I am receiving a raise,” affirm “I am financially free, with all my bills paid and plenty to share and spare.” Instead of affirming “I no longer suffer from asthma,” affirm “I have now transcended all patterns of illness. I am free and healthy!”)

See It! This represents the art of visualizing yourself actually embodying the essence of what it is you are asking for. Visualizing is often misunderstood, because not everyone sees pictures. There are many ways to “visualize” or “see” what you are declaring. For example: Imagine one of us offering to come wash all the windows at your home! All we need to know is how many windows you have in your house.

What are you doing right now? You are counting windows! Some folks close their eyes and actually see themselves in their home. Others are talking to themselves as they talk through their home; others get a sense of the windows. However you were counting windows gives you a clue as to how you prefer to “visualize.” There’s no one right way!

Know It!  This is the clincher! The knowing from deep within – where you know that you know that you know! It is the knowing that allows you to simply turn the faucet to get water – to hit the switch knowing you will get light. Imagine if we had that same kind of belief about our spirituality, and the Truth Principles!

There’s a classic clinical story I still remember learning about years ago in an Abnormal Psychology course. The story is of a young man who suddenly believes he is dead — a walking corpse. His exasperated parents struggle with him, and finally arrange an appointment with a highly respected New York City psychiatrist. The psychiatrist tried his professional best to convince the young man that he was not a corpse, and that he was certainly not dead.

The two men fruitlessly argued the point back and forth. Finally the psychiatrist had an idea he was certain would convince the young man that his belief was erroneous. The psychiatrist turned to the young man and asked, “Do you think dead people bleed?” The young man thought about this for a moment, then answered: “No, all body functions have stopped when you’re dead. So there would be no blood flowing.”

The psychiatrist then took a needle from his desk and pricked the young man’s finger. The young man gasped and stared at his finger in amazement. “Well,” he finally stammered. “I’ll be darned. Dead people DO bleed!” His belief was so powerful that logical evidence had no influence over it at all.

So, let’s go back to Matthew 12:22 ~ Ask, believing, and you will receive. Don’t suffer from a pain in the ASK! A = Affirm it, S = See it, and K=Know it! Together, they create a declaration! Then all we need to do is take action ~ and indeed, we will receive! And that’s when we know we truly are walking the spiritual path on practical feet!

So why the focus on affirmations? In the Foreword to Drs.’ Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius’ groundbreaking book, Buddha’s Brain: The Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom, Dr. Daniel Siegel has this to say about the power of the spoken word: “The simple truth is that how we focus our attention, how we intentionally direct the flow of energy and information, and the way we communicate alters the very circuitry of our brain.”

Neuroscience has proven beyond a doubt that even fleeting thoughts and feelings can leave lasting impressions on our brain. When you add the amperage of the spoken word as a vocal expression of those thoughts and feelings you literally change the neural structure of the brain. Positive thoughts and affirmations are not only essential for spiritual growth but they are necessary ingredients for emotional and physical well being and for rewiring the brain.

We’re sure you are familiar with the typical process for writing and repeating affirmations — but we’d like to stretch your spiritual thinking to a whole new level by suggesting a contrarian type of affirmation statement. It goes against all the rules of being short, easily remembered, and to the point, but our experience with this technique has been incredible!

So here is a template that can literally transform the way you use affirmations in your life!

I have now transcended all patterns of ________________________________ (whatever the focus of your current experience is — this is your denial statement)

I’m free and _____________________________________________________ (statement of the end result, grounded in Truth Principles, which you are affirming)

My mind and body now manifest Divine _______________________________ (essence of the power of your affirmation desire)

I _______________________________________________________________ (statement of action – what you are doing that reflects the essence of your focus area)

I _______________________________________________________________ (follow-up statement of action, along with the benefit of performing the action)

I give thanks for ever increasing ______________________________________ (statement of the beneficial results)

I am a radiant expression of God! (final affirmation of the Truth of who you are!)

Here are a few examples:

Prosperity:

I have now transcended all patterns of lack.
I’m free and prosperous!
My mind and body now manifest Divine abundance.
I stand in the infinite flow of Divine riches.
I give and receive joyfully, as money flows to me easily and effortlessly..
I give thanks for ever increasing prosperity, knowing bills are paid with plenty to share and plenty to spare.
I am a radiant expression of God!

Forgiveness:

Health :

Now … are you ready for a mega-boost in Consciousness?  As we focused on our SHOOT acronym: Spiritually Honoring Only One Truth, we had a Divine Idea that energetically boosts everything to a whole new level! If the “ONE TRUTH” is that there is no separation and our ultimate purpose is to be the best Christ we can be—and if we are striving to be in 100% alignment between our Christ Self and our human self, then why not go for the whole enchilada? Instead of separating out each area of our life we want to work on, why not use this template to affirm the Absolute, All-encompassing Truth of who we are? So here’s a first “shot” of our Mega-Boost SHOOT from the Lip:

This may be a little too “out there” for now – so feel free to start with the separate, specific areas you want to deal with. Wherever you are in Consciousness, this template can help you create a dynamic, power-packed affirmation that is Truth centered. Never forget that you are God expressing, and you can do everything Jesus as the Christ did … and more! He told us that! When you truly believe it, and make a habit of Shooting from the Lip … Spiritually Honoring Only One Truth with everything you say, you really can walk the spiritual path on practical feet!

Our message in this blog is a check-up from the neck up. It’s about the estimated value of the decisions and choices we make. And the story we’re going to use as an example of the last will and estimate comes from Luke’s Gospel 18:18; 20-24. It’s about a rich young man who gets a reality check from Jesus. Here’s the story from the traditional, literal perspective — although we’ll be paraphrasing Luke’s Gospel to bring 21^st Century relevance to it:

A certain young executive approached Jesus and asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“You know the drill,” Jesus said. “Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not give false testimony; honor your parents; do not cheat on your income taxes; do not put recyclables in with the regular garbage; and do not text while driving.”

“I do all of these things,” said the generation Y Millenial.

When Jesus heard this he said, “Yeah, and you probably think you walk on water too, right! Look, you seem to have a lot of things going for you. But there’s one more thing you’ve got to add to you resume. If you truly want eternal life, you’ve got to sell everything you have – that includes your designer cloths, Mercedes, 501K, Wall Street portfolio, and Lady Ga Ga and Michael Jackson album collections – and then give all of the proceeds to the poor.”

When the rich young man heard this he said, “No way! I’ve worked hard for all of this. Besides, I own my possessions. They don’t own me. I give to charities. I tithe. Why, just last week I bought Girl Scout cookies. You’re saying I have to give up everything?”

Jesus nodded.

“I’m sorry. I can’t do that,” the rich young man said. “I’m generous to a fault. I don’t see why I have to give up everything.”

While there’s some truth to this story, it is grossly misleading. Worldly riches can, and often do, interfere with our spiritual growth. But that’s only a superficial version of what the story is about.

The literal version of the story implies that worldly things like living in a nice home, driving a nice car, enjoying a golf or tennis membership, being well-portfolioed, wearing a respectful amount of bling, owning time shares, spending weekends at the beach or mountains – make it difficult for us to get to heaven.

Traditional churches and religious cults have used this scripture to raise funds and separate people from their money for hundreds of years. The idea is to make people—rich and poor alike—think that having material things is a barrier to getting into heaven.

It’s not things that keep us out of heaven; it’s our attachments to those things that’s the issue. But the real issue is deeper than that.

Let us explain. As Unity ministers, our perspective of this whole conversation between Jesus and the rich young man sees it occurring between our ears. This is a story about self-talk. The dialogue is an internal one. From a metaphysical perspective, Jesus and the rich young man represent qualities within us.

The adultery, murder, and false witness mentioned in verse 20 refer to error thoughts, words, and actions. Here’s what this passage says from a metaphysical perspective:

The rich young man stands for material thoughts fixated on worldly attachments and over-consumption.

Jesus represents the Christ within us, our I Am Nature.

Eternal life means attaining Christ Consciousness.

Adultery means saying you love spiritual thoughts but live your life based on material thoughts.

Murder means turning divine order into diddlysquat order.

The poor refers to materialistic thoughts and beliefs.

Bearing false witness means pretending we’re on a spiritual path but loving materialism instead.

Honoring our parents means applying traditional spiritual truths that have stood the test of time.

Selling all we have means moving from a material consciousness to a spiritually attuned one.

So, you see, from a metaphysical perspective, this passage has nothing to do with things ‘out here.’ It is not talking about liquidating  assets or giving all we have to the poor.

It means we can have a giving consciousness AND a nice home, AND drive a nice car, AND enjoy a golf or tennis membership, AND be well-portfolioed, AND wear a respectful amount of bling, AND own time shares, AND spend weekends at the beach or mountains.

It means we can have things AND be a spiritual person. The metaphysical message in this passage is about our thinking. We will achieve inner peace, happiness, and prosperity when we move from a material consciousness to a spiritually attuned one.

It’s about choosing spiritual inclinations over material ones (not bearing false witness).

It’s about staying true to spiritual truths (not committing adultery).

It’s about applying eternal truths that have stood the test of time (honoring our parents).

It’s about transforming materialistic thoughts and beliefs (the poor) into Christed thoughts and beliefs.

The last will – which is our last thought, last word, and last action – is the best estimate of our spiritual potential.

Our ability to transform all of our material thoughts (the poor) into their spiritual equivalents is the best estimate of our spiritual growth.