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OneLife and this writing are for those who will to place priority on educating the soul. Surely, OneLife can become somewhat challenging to digest. But do we not already have enough desserty-devotionals that do not challenge aptly the mind or penetrate deeply the heart?
Indeed, the great Teachers like Clement of Alexandria speak to us, today, about the priority of our spiritual training. He, as they, says we are not born spiritually enlightened, but in need of much training of mouth, heart, and hands. Our training includes progressive development of the use of speech, will, and act. These are organs of the essence and to be dedicated to the Divine, daily and nightly, in Love.
"Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of God, but he who does the will of God." (Matt. 7.21) This is the laborer who knows God [intimately]. He has mastered worldly desires while still in the flesh. He regards the unseen future to be more real than the earthly things around him. Still, he feels cramped because of having to take care of life's necessities. So he uses this life as if it belonged to another [spiritual life].
~Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies
How and what we say will evidence the state of our soul.
How and what we will will evidence the state of our soul.
How and what we do will evidence the state of our soul.
For the education of the soul,
we commit speech,
we commit heart,
we commit act,
to the discipline of discipleship.
This is a demanding task.
This is not a joyless task.
This is a joyful undertaking.
And we are graced with Divine help
all along the way.
Suggested Reflection
1) Is your speech, will, and behavior evidencing spiritual transformation? Is so, how?
2) Whom do you associate closely with and, thereby, receiving encouragement in the education of the soul?
3) Do you have a group of like-willed persons who hold you accountable to your spiritual priorities? If not, would you consider starting such a group?
For more on OneLife Ministries, the author's book, or retreat and workshop engagements, contact brian7777@earthlink.net
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