Back to basics

Every once in a while, I have a need to go over the basics of what I believe. Maybe, because I have been reading articles and listening to lectures and sermons from other faiths and denominations, and they don’t seem be writing or talking about the same God as I am. It doesn’t make me question my faith; it actually strengthens it. I have read the Judeo/ Christian Bible multiple times, as have many others, but I do not take away the belief in a god who is emotional, vindictive, or regretful. Oh sure, there are stories that use those feelings as an object lesson, but God who is All in all is incapable of the pettiness ascribed to Him. Actually, God is not He or a She, but an It.

So, what does this It do? God is Life. Not just my life but all life. Since God is Omnipresent It is living everywhere equally present, and when it comes to lively size does not matter. There is as much life in a mouse as an elephant. God is living by means of Its creation. God is Love. Of this there should be no doubt. Each of us is so loved that we can choose to live anyway we desire unless we infringe on other’s desires. God is happiness. Some have said that to seek happiness is frivolous. If you leave out happiness in any scenario, you are leaving out God.

If God will’s death, then God is not Life. If God will’s fear, then God is not Love. If God will’s sadness and guilt, then God is not Happiness. God is Life, Love, and Happiness. Any thing else needs to be brought in line with the program.

So, where is this God? It is not sitting on a cloud looking down on us and judging our every move. The truth is everywhere you look you see God. God is not just the creator but God is in Its creation. Emerson said that God is closer than breathing and nearer than hands or feet. God is within me and God is within you.

There is no place where God is not. The Bible says that even if you made your bed in hell, God would be there. God is not there to stoke the flames of your punishment but to point the way back to Life, Love, and Happiness. Besides, there is no hell but that of your own creation.

The following affirmations are for your use. They are not attempting to challenge your faith. Say to yourself, “God is right where I am. God is what I am.

(The Rev. Dr. Walt Sharer is minister at Bishop Church of Religious Science, located at 129 E. Line St., Bishop. Rev. Freda Lindsay and Rev. Walt officiate the weekly, Sunday services at 10 a.m. You can hear Rev. Walt’s message on “The Devotional Hour” on Sierra Wave KSRW 92.5 FM Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The church can be reached at (760) 873-4195 for more information.)