Street Corner

Street Corner

            If you were to stand on a street corner and make a speech about what you believe, most likely you would draw a crowd in a short time. Out of that crowd someone would shout, “Right on Brother. You’ve got it right. Here is some money to support your cause.” Why would I say this? Because, Men Love To Follow Not To Lead.

            People need a pattern for their lives. They want to believe and live a good life. Only they are so busy living that they don’t have time to figure it out. Therefore; they will faithfully follow anyone who tells them what they want to hear. If it sounds good they are ok with it.

            The human mind knows little of God, blindly accepting what they are told. They are so infatuated with the outer display of religion; the somber rituals; the rites; the elaborate ceremonies; the symbolic ideas; they are content to think that they are devout. They don’t think past the spectacular pageantry to the deeper, true meaning underneath it all.

            I have been saying they and them but what about you and me? Are we caught up in the hype? What is your cause? What would you preach? What do you sincerely and deeply believe? Why? Because this is what others seem to believe, or because it rings true in your heart? Men know nothing by being taught. God does not respect man-made laws of religion! How can we know if it comes from God or man? Truth is that which was, and is, and evermore shall be, it cannot change, nor pass away. Sin can mimic and pretend to be truth, but; Truth will always stay true.

            This is what I think-I may be wrong, so don’t agree until you think it through. All people are born with a conscience: which is the Christ within. We can ignore it until it ceases to speak to us, When we listen It will reveal the truth about God and man. However, the still small voice of our conscience can’t be heard over the noise of the human thought; the superstition of religion; the fast pasted life style we lead; TV; TV games; the computer where we keep up with our friends, and games, and information; sports and all the other activities that we have to attend to. How can a mere conscience compete and get a word in edge wise while we are always so occupied with other things?

            Man’s ideal is his God, and so, as man unfolds, his God unfolds. The “word God” is a seed that must grow. God stays the same, man’s understanding    grows. Man’s God today, tomorrow is not God. Which is good. Man doesn’t need to use a candle to light his way when he has a flashlight. In other words, if you see where you have been believing foolishness; leave it and follow what you feel is right.

            Time was when men worshiped and sacrificed to idol gods that had no eyes to see, no ears to hear, no voice to speak, no mind to care. Then man found one God that they feared, so they made priests to pray and appease their God. Jesus introduced us to our Father-God, who loves us and protects and provides for us. Now we understand that our Father-Mother-Creator-God has unconditional love for us always. Tomorrow the Christ within will expand our knowledge so that we see and live God’s Reality.

            In all the world there is only one law of right which is: “Put God First.” Break that law and suffer grief, because God is just. God does not punish the sinner. Sin punishes sin. Fire will cook your food and warm your body; it will also burn the hand held in the flames. Don’t put the blame for punishment on God’s shoulders when it is your sin.

            Now I doubt that you will preach on a corner-but you preach a sermon to someone every day. The person you smiled at when you opened the door for them; the clerk that you calmly told that she has charged you too much; and the list goes on. You never know how your words and acts affect another person. If you would serve the God who speaks within the heart, then serve your fellow man, your brother, with love and live in the presence of God’s smile. Someday every person will be his own priest and our Father will be worshiped in Spirit and Truth and Love. Help that day to arrive sooner.

            Jesus taught how to heal, how sins are erased, and how to make a heaven of joy on earth. Our very own conscience knows the ancient wisdom and will gladly teach us, when we are ready to listen and learn from that still small voice.

            806 words               Loretta Ellen Edwards