Lessons in Truth

Question:

This request is for interpretation of a lesson from Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady, Lesson One: #25: You will find that some time is spent every day in idle conversation with people who "just run in for a few moments" to be entertained. If you can help such people, well: If not, gather yourself together and do not waste a moment IDLY DIFFUSING AND DISSIPATING YOURSELF to gratify their idleness. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU LOSE BY IT.

 

Comment:

This is the first request I've had for an interpretation from a New Thought text instead of the traditional Bible. Perhaps it's because I'm in a sort of Bible consciousness as I write these answers, but I'm reminded of Jesus' admonition to seek first the kingdom. That process of seeking the kingdom will inevitably involve interactions with others, and our spiritual priority will always be the contribution that represents the best we can offer. We "idly diffuse and dissipate" ourselves when we set aside our seeking of the kingdom in order to help others. By doing that, we put our faith in the dramas unfolding before us, and we begin to believe we must find solutions before we can proceed with our spiritual work. Seeking first the kingdom is our spiritual work, and anything that demands a higher priority is a distraction that pulls us from that commitment. The problem is not other people (it never is!). The problem is where we are placing our faith and focus. 

Blessings!

Rev. Ed