Jesus says in prayer with God: “I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.”
John 17:14
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage, from the mystical gospel by the Writer called John, is sometimes titled, “Prayer for the Disciples.” In it, Jesus speaks to God, assessing himself, his works, and his message. He reflects on the strong foundation he’s built for the disciples and his followers so they can continue sharing his wisdom after he dies.
- Jesus is mystic, master teacher, and wayshower for multitudes because he is a fully embodied, grounded spirit radiating his absolute divinity. Everything he does is God-guided and God-directed. He doesn’t seek personal acceptance or approval from others because he is secure in his own divine nature. He wastes no energy on either/or arguments and right/wrong debates. Furthermore, when he says the world hates him and the disciples, he contrasts their ability to live in alignment with God (Higher Power, Supreme Being, etc.) rather than the world’s typical, dualistic energy. Jesus doesn’t follow crowds. Crowds follow him.
- Pioneers, by definition, choose to break with the status quo, whatever it may be. They have faith in themselves and their ability to venture into the unknown. They commit to a path and stay on that path even though they may experience repeated uncertainty and failure. They don’t care what the world thinks of them. They push on anyway because blazing a new trail is more fulfilling than being stuck in the same old rut forever.
- Throughout his ministry, Jesus teaches the inner work required to live from your own inner divinity. So, when you commit to a spiritual path, you commit to fully engaging your spiritual nature. Yet, it’s foolish to think, for example, that all your problems will evaporate because you decide to meditate more, join a prayer group, or attend spiritual services regularly.
- Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. Choosing to be a spiritual pioneer means you can stop worrying about what everyone thinks. You have room to hear your own still, small voice, your intuition. You appreciate your depth of faith and your ability to navigate your best route with ease and grace. Of course, you may still encounter the same situations as previously. But when you adopt a spiritual pioneer mindset, you discover better ways of moving beyond them.
Contemplation Questions:
Ask yourself:
- In what areas of my life am I stuck in a rut?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever areas apply.
- In what ways is my intuition showing me that I need to disengage from worldly dualism, such as either/or arguments and right/wrong debates?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- When I imagine being a spiritual pioneer, what new trails do I want to blaze?
- List, word map, or illustrate the trails you imagine.
- What are at least three (3) ways, I can blaze these trails?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
As you use this devotional, remember: Your intuition is your spiritual compass. Have faith in yourself and the divinity within you. Keep your heart and mind open. Listen, observe, and focus on what’s best for you and those in your care. Know that you are God-guided, just as Jesus was, so forge ahead with peace and assurance.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by Milosz_G.
Recent Comments