Gospel of Thomas #76, "The Pearl"

(This are the notes I prepared.  My actual talk was somewhat different)

[Drink from a glass of water] Ah . . . the nectar of life. Just think of it. It is something that is readily available to us. As we drink it, it pours into our being and gives our body vitality. God is even more readily available to us and gives us life. God gives us so much to be grateful for, so much to pour into our being and to remind us of what life is and what it is all about.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Oak Island is the location of purported treasure buried at the bottom of a shaft.  No one has ever been able to access the bottom of the shaft because it was built with “booby traps” that have prevented anyone from reaching the bottom of the pit.

Real treasure is the awareness of God and that is found within.

          Gospel Of Thomas #76: “Jesus said, "God's Divine Rule is like a merchant who had
a supply of merchandise and then found a pearl.  That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek the treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys.”

          Psychologists will say that when we wish to make changes in our life we often focus on what is missing in us, of what we lack and how we're lacking. (we’re lacking thinness; companionship; money; things; jobs; this, or that, or the other thing).

          We will never obtain something, if our main focus is the lack of it.

          It has been said that, “The sure way to do something for your future is to do something with your present.”

The experience of the possession of the “Pearl of Great Price” is inner peace.

Jesus also said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.”

My father taught me kindness, and I have adopted that as the lens through which I interface with the world.  I seek the Kingdom of God through kindness.

I believe, if we choose one aspect of the nature of God (i.e. kindness, caring, compassion, joy, happiness, gratitude, etc.) and live that as our one special spiritual gift to give ourselves, then everything else (the rest of the Kingdom) will come along with it, and thus we know inner peace.

          Spiritual awareness means to focus your mind, your heart, and all your thoughts, consciously, on the idea of your oneness of God.

Spiritual expression means to give your life to the fulfillment of the gift (i.e. kindness, etc.) you are giving yourself.

          What is my way to the pearl of great price?  We must ask ourselves this.

          This parable of the Pearl of Great Price advises us to sell all we have in order to buy (to take possession of… to have the experience of) the Pearl of Great Price. 

First, in mind, we have to sell off (divest ourselves of) ALL our worries, our doubts, fears and our anxieties. We must release it all so we can take possession of that that is holy and perfect.

   THE TRAVELER WHO NEVER STOPPED

“A traveler through the countryside was suddenly accosted by another traveler who told him in a frightened voice, "We have wasted our time in this direction. Behind those clouds is a vast mountain which will block our way."

Surprised at the report, the traveler set out to see whether it was true or not. He saw no mountain, but he did meet another stranger who gave him the gloomy report, "It is hopeless to con­tinue your journey. Just beyond that meadow is a canyon so wide that even the animals are stopped by its edge."

Deciding to see for himself, the traveler went on his way. He saw that there was no canyon at all, but he did run into a third stranger in a military uniform, who sternly commanded, "Stop. You are forbidden to go on. This path leads straight into the camp of an army which will punish your attempts to continue."

Not frightened by the threat, the traveler walked on. There were no soldiers to block his way. So because the wise traveler decided to take no one’s word for anything, but to test everything for him­self, he was able to travel on and on and on. (Secrets For Higher Success by Vernon Howard, page 164-165)

          Determination: To find the pearl, we have to continue on our spiritual path and let not anyone or anything deter us. 

Give all your troubles, thoughts, cares, and concerns to God for God to heal.  Do this as often as they appear for you. 

In a worldly sense the Pearl of Great Price would be of enough value to cover the cost of all and every worldly need.

Spiritually speaking the Pearl of Great Price, God’s divine rule at work in our hearts and minds, covers the cost of living in the world (heals and harmonizes our relationship to the challenges in our life).  It brings us inner peace… and inner peace is our most valuable possession.

Remember that giving and receiving are the same. Give your gift to the world and pour the Life of God (take another drink of water) all over your being.

(Click here to return to The Monday Message)