MATTER OVER MIND OR MIND OVER MATTER?

“Pray only for values, not things; for growth, not for gratification.” [UB 1002:05]

Thought Adjuster: “The Father knows your basic needs for physical sustenance. However, His long-range Vision also takes into account the prerequisites for your eternal survival as a full-fledged spiritual being. Shouldn’t it become your highest priority as well?

“Indeed, if your prayers mostly address your material needs and the gratification of your physical senses, they will fail to contribute to your soul growth and may be detrimental to it, as you place matter over mind, rather than mind over matter. The object of your focus determines your spiritual progress, stagnation, or regression.

“Why then is it so crucial to pray for values and growth? Because such prayers will have a powerful impact on the direction that your life’s journey will take—inward and Godward. They will act as the trade winds filling your spiritual sails to their full capacity and propelling you forward on your spiritual quest.

“God is the Absolute Embodiment of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Therefore, your prime motivation should be to acquire their shining facets, thus contributing to the enlightenment and vibrancy of your soul.

“When you immaturely petition for material rewards and sensorial pleasures, you are shooting for an easy and comfortable life that will not yield the hard-earned character upgrades that you acquire when challenged at your very core—at the soul level. Moreover, it distracts you even more from what is vital to your everlasting life.

“On the other hand, when you wish to glean values out of your life’s experiences, you will undoubtedly be called to endure birth pangs at the emotional and spiritual level of your persona. Values have been embedded in your DNA. They are potentialities that need to be awakened and nurtured wisely. Just as a seed requires water and sunrays for its emergence above soil level, your intrinsic value will appreciate over time, as you increasingly mold and stabilize your personality to become a reflection of Godlikeness.

“Jesus’s prayers were for the spiritual welfare of others. Because He intended to live an exemplary life, thus blazing a trail for all to follow, His life abounded in personal challenges and difficulties. He bravely pushed forward without harboring any resentment toward such turns of events. He was the first Son of Man who dared take up such a dual challenge—to be an unwavering Champion for God as well as a selfless advocate for His spiritually immature earthly siblings.

"He grew in age and wisdom. His spiritual growth curve was unprecedented. In this sense, He may appear to have the earmarks of a super achiever. However, He was merely demonstrating what is within reach of humankind and why it is so important to dedicate one’s life to bring Light and Life into the world.”