From the Minister's Desk ...

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Will is the inner directive force of the soul — the conscious choice that aligns thought, emotion, and action with a higher intention. In the New Thought tradition, will is not sheer human determination or egoic force, but a spiritual faculty that, when rightly understood and used, becomes the executive arm of Divine Mind within us.

Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, describes will as one of the twelve powers of man — the power that decides, directs, and determines. It is not willpower in the sense of straining or resisting, but a sacred faculty that allows us to say, “This is the path I choose.” When will is spiritually awakened, it becomes a harmonizing force that aligns personal desire with divine purpose.

Neville Goddard teaches that the will is best understood as focused attention. “Your attention,” he says, “is your greatest power.” In this view, will is the disciplined ability to sustain your focus on what you desire, regardless of outer conditions. It’s not about forcing outcomes; it’s about choosing where to place your energy, your thought, and your feeling — knowing that the universe reflects back what you consistently dwell upon.

In metaphysical science, will is often paired with imagination. Imagination conceives, but will carries the vision forward with sustained intent. Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind, warned against using will to manipulate life, but encouraged its use in discipline and direction. He wrote, “The will should never be used to coerce, but always to choose.” This is a powerful distinction — true will is not aggressive; it is purposeful.

When we cultivate spiritual will, we become less reactive and more deliberate. We cease being victims of circumstance and instead become creators of experience. Our inner “yes” or “no” becomes a sacred decree. We begin to act from conscious awareness rather than habit or fear.

Will is also the foundation of endurance. Life will test your faith, your patience, and your vision — but the power of will keeps you anchored. It says, “I choose to stand. I choose to believe. I choose to keep going.” And in that sacred decision, doors open. The invisible hand of Spirit moves. The crooked places are made straight.

In your own life, ask: What am I choosing — consciously or unconsciously — day by day? Where am I directing my will? Is it aligned with my highest truth, or is it entangled in fear, doubt, or resistance?

To will rightly is to live deliberately. It is to align with the Christ within — that inner “I Am” which always knows the way, even when the outer world is uncertain.

Affirm: I claim the power of Divine Will within me. I choose with clarity. I act with love. I direct my life with sacred intention. And I am led into right action, now and always.