Galatians 5.25 - If we live in-with-by the Spirit, let us, also, walk (live) in-with-by the Spirit.
The preposition "in" shares the meanings "by" and "with." Accordingly, I have rendered the three, for they all apply. We live in, with, and by means of the Spirit of Life.
Gospel of John 8.12 - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (ESV)
Here, Jesus is not saying he alone is the "light of the world." You can say that "I am," too. We each have the potential to be the light of the world. And the light is always the light. There is one light. We can remember all our spiritual ancestors, those who have embodied that light through the ages. We need to show respect to them. A simple "Thank You" is a good way to do this. We embody the light, becoming the spiritual ancestor for those yet to appear on Earth. Reading the words of these ancestors can communicate to us the aspiration to embody the light and the inspiration to do so.
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Below, italics set apart citations from sacred scripture, all from the Christian New Testament, while referring to timeless wisdom seen in diverse wisdom traditions.
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to follow does not mean I know I am following
following happens un-self-consciously as implied in the teaching to walk in-with-by the Spirit
one may sense as though the whole environment comes together in unity
one may sense a heightened focus and sensitivity
concentration of consciousness can alter with an open awareness
a sense of self can fluctuate with the loss of a sense of self
the Wind blows where it wills you do not know from where it comes and where it goes, this is like everyone born of the Spirit
this teaches the nature of this Way
having begun walking in Grace we continue walking in Grace while the truth more truly is we do not walk we are being walked
like the sail hoisted to the mast for wind to move the ship like the kite the child positions so the currents will dance it along
so through devotion to the Spirit we posture ourselves to be lived by Spirit
law represents religious means to dictate the movement spirit represents freedom from constraint and outside authority to impose on inward Grace
so how can you be so foolish! having begun in-with-by the Spirit are you now seeking to complete the journey by your own efforts?
so the prayerful aspiration surrendered to this subtle, flowing Life like fallen leaf moving on the River effortlessly where goes the River
May it be, may it be
Yes, to all "Thank You!"
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*(C) Brian K. Wilcox, 2024. Permission is given to use photographs and writings with credit given to the copyright owner.
*Brian's book is An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love. The book is a collection of poems Brian wrote based on wisdom traditions, predominantly Christian, Buddhist, and Sufi, with extensive notes on the poetry's teachings and imagery.
