A: The answer, of course, is simple. On the human level of life, it is possible to attain anything at all that we desire if we desire it enough to make the necessary effort. A great many health problems of the world have their origin in wrong eating, and anybody can eliminate more than half of his physical problems if he watches what he eats and how much. Many problems of lack and limitation merely represent the unwillingness of the average person to work for what he wants. Many persons are satisfied to work seven hours a day, or even six, five, four, or less, and then spend the rest of the twenty-four hours in indulgence of one sort or another. But those who really want success find ways to work ten hours, eleven, twelve, or eighteen; and in doing this, they indulge themselves far less and therefore have fewer mental and physical problems to meet.
Practically anything in the world is obtainable to those who are willing to pay the particular price demanded to reach their goal. Except for those who inherit wealth, the rest of the world has to work, and work hard for what it wants, but if it wants it badly enough, it will get it, and this, regardless of whether or not it ever has a serious thought about spiritual things. What this question really means is, “Why do those who do give serious thought to the spiritual things have so many problems and often fail to achieve their goal?” Here, too, the answer is simple.
Those who turn to the spiritual path for material or human gain must inevitably fail. In the early days of metaphysics, it was believed that a person could go to God for automobiles, houses, or for better business, but the passing of years and the failure of that approach to life have shown the world that just as oil and water do not mix, neither can the spiritual kingdom be made into a merchandise mart, for these are as unlike as oil and water. The Master made it very clear that My kingdom, the spiritual kingdom, is not of “this world,” and My peace—the real peace, the spiritual peace, the eternal peace—is not to be obtained through the things of “this world.” Paul, too, made it clear that “the natural man,” the man who is seeking a material goal, cannot receive the things of God.
So it is that those who enter the spiritual path with the object of attaining material and human good must also inevitably fail. The goal of all those who enter any one of the mystical approaches to life must be to seek the kingdom of God, to leave all for Me; if necessary, leave mother, father, sister, and brother. Leave your “nets,” and follow Me into the spiritual kingdom where there are spiritual treasures such as you have never dreamed of. Follow Me into the kingdom of God and find that all these things—peace, joy, harmony, love, justice—all these will be added unto you.
Do not expect success on the spiritual path if you are seeking material goals. Though it is as simple as that, what are you seeking? You can now know whether or not you can respond to the Infinite Way, and any new seeker can judge for himself if the Infinite Way is possible of attainment for him. Spend a week living in Chapter Ten, “Meditation on Life by Grace,” in The Contemplative Life. If this makes your heart sing, this message of the Infinite Way is your spiritual home. Then, you are ready to begin at the beginning of this book and build a new consciousness, and all the other Infinite Way writings will open up to you as a bud opens into a flower.
“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12: 22, 30-32)
1This excerpt is from Living Now, Chapter 9, “The Nature of Consciousness.” It is posted with kind permission from Acropolis Books.