Knowing Thy Self
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Summary
This Podcast explores a spiritual framework for self-discovery by re-examining the traditional adage regarding responsibility and personal gifts. Rather than simply identifying one’s talents, the author suggests a reversed perspective that focuses on the obligations and ethical standards expected of an individual. By prioritizing duty and humility, a person can better understand their spiritual shortcomings and the specific internal tools provided to overcome them. This method encourages the use of intuition and spiritual sensing to navigate life's challenges effectively. Ultimately, the source advocates for a comprehensive self-analysis that aligns one's actions with universal laws and higher purposes. |
Preamble
It is necessary to explain the deliberate language used as title for this piece.
It could just as easily have been titled “Getting to know yourself”. But it wasn’t. “Knowing thyself” speaks to something deeper within the individual. “Getting to know yourself”, will more likely conjure popular concepts like; self-esteem, your emotions, core values, strengths, weaknesses, and triggers. But the aim of this article is to go beyond these. Its aim is how to draw the most spiritual benefit from the title.
Proposed Framework
We shall build this framework around the common saying; “To whom much is given, much is expected” .
Generally, we use this statement, to express expectation of a minimum level, or quality of actions, or behavior, from someone who we deem, has been granted a position, or responsibility.
To help build our framework, let us start by flipping this statement around, to say ; “From whom much is expected, much has been given”.
A keen observer may note that these two perspectives affect us differently, and, with that, leads us in different directions for our thinking, or self-analysis.
Summarized in the table below are how these two perspectives may affect the average person, versus the spiritually optimum way of understanding them.
Saying | How it now reaches the Spirit | The spiritually desired response |
“To whom much is given, much is expected”
| For most people, attention is likely drawn to the gifts that they have been given. And to reflect on how they are using the gifts. | Rather than starting with our gift, it would be better to first understand the short coming, i.e. the much that is expected, judged strictly on a spiritual basis, using the golden rules and the laws of creation as the only yard stick. Thereafter, we can then look to our gifts, to develop the corrective measures.
The common approach may immediately lead us to think of other gifts that we have. Gifts that we should apply towards another solution that we come up with. But a solution that may still lack spiritual insight, as the one we are trying to resolve.
|
“From whom much is expected, much has been given” | This flipped restatement, focuses immediate attention on meeting expectations. Indicating that one’s life is bound to fulfilling responsibilities (i.e. expectations).
This attitude also engenders humility, and fulfillment of duty, as first steps. | The humble acceptance that one could be wrong, paves the way for input from other sources in seeking a solution.
Such openness allows a greater possibility for the voice of the Spirit to penetrate the search, and to direct how best to use the gifts with which one has been endowed. It also helps one to appreciates that gifts are given to help us cope with challenges. And that such possibilities are generally envisage when one is being endowed with the gift.
In other words, we are human, and challenges are meant to help us learn to use our spiritual sensing, also called Intuition, to recognize and call upon our gifts in order to fulfill our responsibilities. |
Notes of Clarification
Some words/phrases have been used that may require clarification, for those who may be new to these concepts, and may not see how they fit into this framework.
……using the golden rules and the laws of creation as the only yard stick…
Since man’s purpose and duty are spiritual in nature, their proper fulfillment requires that they align with a way of life that does not stifle or interferes with another human being’s spiritual development. Or causes them harm/suffering. An example of a set of golden rules is the 10 commandments of the Judeo-Christian faith.
The laws of creation are the governing principles that work to weave our fates and destinies. Their outputs are based strictly on our actions or neglects. For example, the Law of Cause and Effect, which is popularly captured in the saying, “As you sow, shall you reap, multiple fold”.
……learn to use our spiritual sensing, also called Intuition…
The Intuition is that deep inner feeling, or sensing that we sometimes experience. It is not the same as a gut feeling. It usually comes as a flash of inspiration that often appears contrary to our direction of thinking at the time. The intuition can also manifest as a deep twinge of conscience when we have done, or neglected to do something.
Hopefully these clarifications will help to make the Spiritual focus of the framework easier to grasp.
Conclusion.
This is not to suggest that the original version of the saying is wrong, and should be ditched. The suggested frame work simply adds another perspective to help us extract the most benefit from these words of wisdom.
It is similar to how we view the concept of the half empty, versus the half full glass. Both help us to look at a challenge, and arrive at the most level-headed and best way to address the situation.
No doubt, approaching this common saying, “From whom much is expected, much has been given”, from the two perspectives discussed, should help us see how it applies, from both sides.
This should help us look more comprehensively within us, to become guided by the spirit, to arrive at the optimum solution using the resources with which we have been endowed.
Therefore, what better way to gradually, and assuredly get to know ourselves, in terms of our responsibilities and gifts, so that we fulfill our purpose for being here on Earth.
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