What He Taught Us

I had a wonderful conversation with a friend tonight that reminded me of the timeless, truthful teachings I gained from my time as a student with Rev. Bill Duby. 

The thing about the truth (and this helps me discern truth) is that it is a two-edged sword - meaning: the truth has a wonderful, clarifying effect on the mind. Troubles and confusion clear away and answers are plainly seen.  Simultaneously, truth sends us in the opposite direction of where our personality was headed.  Following the leading of our human self was what caused the trouble and confusion to begin with.  We slowly loose sight of who is leading whom - human personality or Spirit?

The truth will have us do the opposite of what our personality wants to do, for the restoration of the soul.  

Tonight I listened to my friend struggling with watching our mutual friend isolate themselves more and more, finding long-time friends too irritating to spend time with.  Our friend was losing their spiritual awareness; becoming more selfish and self-centered, and LONELY without even knowing it.  This is the subtle trap of following the foolishness of the personality. One day we wake up and wonder, "Where has Love gone?"

What did Rev. Bill teach me and my friend?  That you offer a healing to those who irritate you. You ask your worst enemy for a reading. Why?  You NEED that person.  The irritation you feel in their presence is not the other person.  Let me repeat that:

The irritation you feel is NOT the other person.

It is energy blocking the connection between you and your body.  Its evidence is the division and corruption of the communication between human souls. It is what separates us from Heaven.

At core reality, we are all an expression of the One Life.  If there are thoughts or emotions within me that are having me believe that I am separate from you - that we are different, one being superior to the other - those thoughts and emotions are blocking me from experiencing my union with the God of the Universe, the Kingdom of Heaven here and now. To experience spiritual well-being, those thoughts and feelings of separation have got to go.

Rev. Bill lived out this principle daily.  He purposely and constantly interacted with the individuals who irritated him the most, dedicated to the promise that each person would be more of themselves (united to the God of their Heart) for knowing the other. The result?  An atmosphere where everyone felt at home and welcomed, coming from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, but experiencing a unity and a bond beyond the human relationships of this world.  

It was like the setting Paul describes in Galatians 3:28: There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.

What a wonderful reminder on the eve of Thanksgiving!  So as we all gather with family and friends tomorrow, I pray we each carry with us the Lord's vision of His Creation (yes, even Uncle Lou!) as we look upon each other.  Find that person you resist, and sit next to them at dinner.  Love them. Practice seeing the Presence of the Father in them. Better yet, serve them this holiday season!  You'll be better off for it!

But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. - Luke 6:32-36