Spiritual normalcy
Raymond Charles Barker wrote, “The basic pattern of spiritual normalcy is to get along with everyone, to be happy in your work and to have a fundamental acceptance of the world as a good place to live effectively.” All we have to do is to look at the first qualification to see that normalcy is or has yet to be attained. One might ask, “How do you love the unlovable?” However, that is not the right question. It should be something along this line, “What am I doing to prevent wholeness, completeness and harmony in my life?” If you dig deep enough you will find the culprit is resentment.
Resentment could be said as a milder form of hate, but nobody really wants to hate, so they call it resentment. What ever it is called it has the same debilitating effect on your body and your peace of mind. When you hate or resent you have given all power to the thing or person in question. You no longer have control. When you resent an individual, you are letting your impression of that person operate your mind and emotions. You have given up your freedom.
The Universe is a positive system and only those who are clear most the time on right attitudes can get from life all that it has to offer. God made us all free. Appreciate that you are a creative potential of mind and emotion. Take your stand as a spiritually dominating individual who knows where you are going and will not let petty diversions of negative reactions divert from your path. Understanding why some people act or say the things they do is helpful, but that doesn’t mean you must embrace their actions. You don’t have to love what they do or say and you certainly don’t have to be with them. Your task is to respect their right to say or do with little or if possible, no judgment. My late wife would say that for some people it was easier to love them from afar.
Dr. Barker wrote a treatment that I have found to be very useful.
I am one with all Life, Love and Truth there is, for I am One with God. I am one with every person for each is the image and likeness of perfect life. I take full spiritual control of my mind and emotions, and I refuse to be disturbed by any person or situation. No resentment can find acceptance in my consciousness, I have a spiritual understanding of all whom I know. I behold in them the Love of God which blesses and benefits me. The actions and words of another person have no power or authority within me. I am at peace with myself and with others. I am the only thinker in my world, and I guard my emotions night and day to maintain my freedom from others. The only relationship I can have with others is one of love, understanding and peace. I am a free and uncluttered expression of God.
God is Love and Loving You Right Now!
(The Rev. Dr. Walt Sharer is minister at
Bishop Church of Religious Science, located at 129 E. Line St., Bishop. Rev. Freda Lindsay and Rev. Walt officiate the weekly, Sunday services at 10 a.m. You can hear Rev. Walt’s message on “The Devotional Hour” on Sierra Wave KSRW 92.5 FM Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The church can be reached at (760) 8734195 for more information.)