From the Minister's Desk ...

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Be Strong

Strength is not simply a physical quality. As with all the 12 powers, it expresses itself on three levels, each one complementing the others in this life expression on the earth plane.

In the physical realm, strength is vitality, endurance, the ability to persist. In the mental area of expression, strength is that quality of mind which enables one to lead, to accomplish, to follow through on decisions, to establish purposes in life, and to hold firm to spiritual principles in daily living. It expresses itself as stability of character.

The highest expression, and the one that should determine the direction of strength in the other realms, is the spiritual realization of this quality. 

Here, strength is closely allied with faith. In the symbology of the 12 disciples and the 12 qualities of mind that we are to develop as Jesus encouraged and developed his closest followers, strength and faith are represented by the brothers Andrew and Peter.

Building a Foundation

Peter must be the first of our qualities to be unfolded in a spiritual way, because without faith there is no impetus to action and no foundation for a program of spiritual growth. 

Faith is also our innate ability to see the unseen, plus the desire to persist in order to bring it forth.

But faith has to be established in strength. The “two brothers” must grow together, both under the loving direction of our own Christ nature, the “perfect human” idea within us …

Strength is to be developed easily, not with tension and strain, but with a relaxed, trusting attitude.

Strength is a quality that we can and must develop if we are to bring forth our God-given potential. It is to be brought forth along with the other 11 powers, but it must be basic in our growth.

As you begin your development of this faculty represented by Andrew, declare quietly to yourself: Through the will and the work of Spirit within, my God-given potential of strength is developed and expressed—easily and in divine order.

Remember that strength is to be developed easily, not with tension and strain, but with a relaxed, trusting attitude …

As with all the powers, strength is consciously awakened first in the intellectual nature and then developed (through prayerful concentration on the idea) to be a spiritual realization of oneness with the Source of all strength.

A Meditation on the Power of Strength

By Rev. Bronte Colbert

I feel the strength of God pouring through me, energizing and renewing all areas of my life. If I am feeling worn out or unable to move ahead with a project or plans, I picture my faculty of strength blessing me with perseverance and stamina.

I look for and acknowledge the positive, stable areas in my health, finances, and relationships. I affirm: I am strong, capable, healthy, and whole.

In my quiet times of mindfulness and meditation, I am reminded that my inner spiritual strength will see me through, no matter what. I bask in that knowing.

If obstacles block my path, if outer conditions disturb my peace of mind, I turn within. Remembering my constant connection to Spirit, strength lifts me up. I gain a higher perspective. What appeared to be boulders in my way are, in truth, stepping-stones for me to dance across.

Affirm: I grow stronger with every experience of life. I am bolstered by my inner strength.