10
Need for a Shift in Emphasis
Human consciousness changes, consequently philosophies and methods of education which were sufficient in one era prove inadequate in the next. Those most sensitive to the new order become its pioneers, mapping out the course of the more prosperous life; those less progressive, fearing innovation, attempt to deter new movements. We are at this moment, in one of these transition periods, bridging as it were from the old to the new.
During this time of change many are bewildered; are willing to admit that unusual problems confront them; they sense the inadequacy of their present system; they see the need of some kind of revision, but invariably they attempt to regulate the new situation by methods with which they are already familiar. It is like the putting of “new patches” on a much worn garment – until the fabric itself falls apart and of necessity a superior material is designed, cut to a more becoming pattern for the user.
Now what is the ideal of the future to which the cutting edge is directing our attention? That ideal is the full perfection of the God-like qualities inherent in every individual. All we need to do is realize that we are actually of God. From fable and legend we may have construed that ‘gods’ are ephemeral phantoms concocted by an equally phantasmal imagination. In reality the word ‘god’ is a shortened form of ‘good’. That is all – constructive, positive, permanent good. Within the individual lie all the elements necessary to make a ‘god’ of a human being. It is because we are manifesting less that the ‘good’ of which we are really capable that we remain clothed in the now threadbare garment, rather than donning the ‘god’ vestment, symbolic of our true identity.
Our educational system/philosophy has, up to this time, dealt more with what we seem to be, rather than with what we truly are; with effects, not causes; with the individual as a body enclosing spirit rather than as a spirit wearing a body. The shift in emphasis needs to be from form to spirit. As human consciousness evolves, spirit demands recognition and expression. Although encased in flesh, it is the essence of life itself with which culture in the immediate future will have to deal successfully.
Regardless of our instruction of the past and not because of it, history has been replete with examples of spirit burning through the crystallized thought pattern of the day; defying mass objection; expressing itself for what it really is – even though the form which wore it experienced the pyre, the gallows or the cross.
Individuals through whom spirit does express most fully are later recognized as geniuses, whether in the field of exploration, philosophy, government, science, art or religion. They have manifested concretely truths arrived at through perception, rather than merely memorizing facts already accrued by reason. They have penetrated that kingdom which is within and brought forth its blessings for the benefit of humanity.
All individuals are geniuses in embryo of one kind or another – present appearances to the contrary notwithstanding. This Master Jesus taught when he said, “These things that I do, ye shall do also, and even greater things.” For these many years we have looked upon his teachings as platitudes to be read rather than possibilities to be accomplished. Hence, we have remained in our human limitations rather than being in daily living what we were meant to be – “gods” created and of the essence of the Divine Image and Likeness.
It shall be the privilege and obligation of instructions in the years immediately ahead to restore humanity to its lost estate – to bring the prodigal home – by helping us to understand and develop these Divine attributes.