A Faithful Measure

“Jesus said: ‘Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given to you.”

Mark 4:24

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This wisdom from the Gospel Writer Called Mark in the section sometimes titled, “A Series of Proverbs,” advises us to listen to our inner wisdom with careful, faithful attention.
• While the measure Jesus describes sometimes means tangible things like money or property, Jesus also includes intangibles like energy and intention, especially the goodwill and lovingkindness we demonstrate toward others.
• Jesus teaches that it’s an act of faith to give what one has, no matter whether it’s money or love. In fact, our faith, like our love, is limitless.  We can’t ever fully measure how much we give or receive.
• When Jesus instructs that we pay attention to what we hear, we’re to notice the impact of our words. Because the subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between a positive and a negative, it only affirms what it hears.  So, the energy of our words and actions resonate within us and others.  Even though we may say, “Stick and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” the words and the intentions behind them can still harm.  This is the reason that we use both denials and affirmations to grow spiritually.  Denials clear negative, toxic energy.  Affirmations establish harmonious, healthy energy.
• Furthermore, while the proverb is sometimes used to teach that God is condemning or that our karma will turn to bite us, Jesus doesn’t say that. To Jesus, there is no retribution in God—ever!  God is unconditionally loving, infinitely compassionate, everywhere, to everyone, all the time.  No exceptions.  We’re the ones who seek retribution, cast judgments, and classify with labels.
• Demonstration is your evidence of what does or doesn’t work in your life. You demonstrate your Christ consciousness (the same mindset that Jesus had) when you live and love faithfully and generously, without conditions.  You also demonstrate a loving, faithful presence when you focus on your own personal growth and spiritual maturity, rather than trying to redeem others so they fit your ideal.  You aren’t to measure them by your standards.  You’re to let God be the standard for all, as Jesus did.
• In Healing Letters, a collection of Metaphysician Myrtle Fillmore’s writings, Myrtle urges us to recognize the Christ essence within everyone, even if they don’t yet recognize it in themselves. She advises that we pray for others to be “spiritually illumined” by thinking of them “as abiding in God’s presence and expressing God’s qualities.  As you do this,” she says, “you will touch the reality of individuals, and you will invite only the best from them.”

Contemplation Questions:                                                                 

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• In what ways do I diminish my faith?
  • List, word map, or illustrate the ways.

• In what ways do I withhold love and compassion?
  • List, word map, or illustrate the ways.

• Whether positive or negative, what am I saying about
  • myself?
    • List, word map, or illustrate what you’re saying.
  • others?
    • List, word map, or illustrate what you’re saying.

• When I reflect on the positives and negatives, what can I do emphasize the positive and eliminate the negative?
  • List, word map, or illustrate everything you imagine you can do. Make one (1) category for yourself and one (1) for others.

• What are at least three (3) ways that I can invite the best from
  • myself?
    • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
  • others?
    • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.

As you use this devotional, know that you and everyone else is a divine creation of God.  You are fully human and fully divine, just as Jesus was.  So, listen faithfully to your intuition, and to what you say about yourself and others.  Consider the measure you want to receive.  Then give your love, time, goodwill, etc., from that measure and watch how they return to you overflowing.

© 2023 – Rev Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.

Photo from Shutterstock by EWY Media.