Message from the Minister November 2018

Gratitude, The Great Game Changer

 

In Unity we learn the power of our minds, our thoughts, feelings and beliefs create the world we experience. In this season of giving thanks, let us be ever mindful of all the things we have to be grateful for. Let us focus on those things and thereby increase and multiply the good in our lives and in the whole world.

It is said what we focus on in our heart and mind will increase in manifestation in our world. Hate and conflict feed on more hate and conflict, while love and gratitude also feed on the same energy. If we are to put the power of dynamic, positive energy to work in our lives, we must begin with gratitude. When we are grateful there is absolutely no room for negative energy to accumulate in our minds. Rather, an air of joy and positive movement goes with us on our daily journey. We begin to influence those around us on a subtle level that is more powerful than the transient conflicts we perceive.

When I am grateful I am affirming that God is good and everywhere present at all times, that the Universe is always conspiring on my behalf, and that healing and wholeness is my natural state of being. When I say thank you to the Universe, I am calling forth more of the same experiences for which I am grateful. The continuous flow of blessings increases because I acknowledge what I want instead of what I don’t want. In this way, I am also ready to receive more. When I complain about my situation, I am blocking the flow of good that can heal my mind and satisfy my need. When I strive for worldly gain, my need is never satisfied, no matter how much wealth or status I accumulate. However, when I am grateful for everything I have now, more will be given me, because I have given all to fulfill the purpose Spirit has given for my life.

We have also learned through New Thought teaching that our thoughts are prayers. When I hold negative thoughts and harbor resentments against my brothers or sisters, I am praying for more of the same for me. The action of a grateful mind changes the game completely. I now pray for those who I disagree with, the ones I feel are committing evil acts or otherwise assault my sense of decency or morality. I send them the loving energy which I want to receive. I hold them in the light of their true nature and not what appears on the outside. I hold all my loved ones in this light as well, knowing they too will experience soul-growth and experience peace by connecting with the goodness within. I send out the thoughts and prayers that I wish to receive, and I am forever grateful for the blessings that continue to flow each and every day.

It is my sincere wish that we take the mystery out of affirmative prayer and know that what we are grateful for will increase in our experience. How I affirm the truth is by being thankful for it. In this manner, it becomes an unstoppable power of eternal love, flowing in me through me and as me. I am so impressed that these spiritual laws work at all times, in every situation and with every single person regardless of where they find themselves in this world. Focus on the solution my friends. Begin by changing the game completely. Flip it on its head and be grateful for every single thing.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8)

Always Yours in Christ Consciousness
Rev. Tony