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Resources: video script | Cayce quotes
Wisdom then is the divine love made manifest in thy daily conversation, thy daily advocation, thy daily acts as one to another. THIS is Wisdom. This as ye apply, this as ye make known in thy conversation, in thy acts, will become more and more part and parcel of thy VERY self. (262-104)
Then the practical application of the Christ-life in thy daily experience is Wisdom indeed. (262-104)
Like so many of the previous lessons, the essence of this lesson is what you do, not necessarily what you understand or think you know about the subject. Applied wisdom is the love of God manifested in your daily actions.
The readings used the term “Christ-life” as a behavioral template for what divine love means in practical application. The teachings and example of Jesus provide a flesh and blood standard for divine love in human relations.
Application: For an entire day, focus on divine love as an ideal in everything you say and do. At the end of the day, assess yourself and determine if divine love has become a part of your VERY self.
Resource: Fear of the Lord (Reply)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5: 3-12)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Corinthians 3:19-20)
The video overview for this lesson cited several examples of the paradox of spiritual wisdom in the judgment of Solomon and the teachings of Jesus.
Material consciousness tends toward self and selfishness as the criteria for judgment. Generosity of spirit appears as foolishness to this consciousness based on "worldly wisdom."
True wisdom in the spiritual sense, recognizes this paradox and chooses to set aside self for the greater good, much as the loving mother in Solomon’s judgment and Jesus' admonition to "turn the other cheek."
Application: Develop the wisdom of spirit and knowledge of the unseen forces that may appear as foolishness to the materially minded. Put the teachings from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7; particularly the Beatitudes as quoted above) to the test and determine for yourself whether this is wisdom or foolishness.
Resource: Turning the Other Cheek (Reply)
For as the ways of life become more complex individuals see rather the material than the mental and spiritual. (262-105 )
With the frantic pace and complexity of modern life, spirituality can easily be set aside in order to take care of the business at hand. Life can seem so complicated as to require the complete attention of our waking consciousness. We can become hypnotized by the complexity of it all.
Application: Seek the wise simplicity of spirit, especially when life becomes complex and seems to press in from every direction. Remember to take time to meditate and reflect on the spiritual side of life on a regular basis. Use conscious breathing or an affirmation to maintain mindfulness of spirit in the midst of life.