I remember all too well what it was like, and I do *not* know how I could deal with that again. It was horrible. I had no joy, I was depressed, I lost faith, I was afraid, I questioned the love of God, and I was totally focused on myself-----NOT a happy nor productive existence! I hope this answers your question."
From D-fendr
What strikes me here is that when you were focused on the fear of losing it, you were totally focused on yourself -- "not a happy or productive existence!" as you put it.
I appreciate that answer because it infers that when you felt assurance again, you no longer totally focused on yourself. This, in my own experience is a good guide of spiritual condition: how much of our focus is on our well-being vs. that of others?
D-fendr,I believe you are saying that one can not find security in ones own salvation until he forgets his own and becomes more concerned in others, is that what you are saying?
If so, I disagree, because there in no stronger motivating force then saving our own butt, and once you have that secured, then you are ready to help others.
How can a man inspire someone to win a race when he has never finished one in his life?
No, sorry, that's not what I'm saying. I was actually asking a question, which is a form of hopefully allowing the responder to gain from questioning. (Sorry for the long form.)
However, in this case, I learned something and reinforced my understanding that I should never assume about another's spiritual condition.
To answer your question: am I saying: "one can not find security in ones own salvation until he forgets his own and becomes more concerned in others…"? Again, no, and again, I can't say for all.
However, it has been mine, and a common experience, that the more one sees his neighbor as his "self" (in other words more conscious of his neighbor's welfare connected, cojoined) the more one realizes union, communion with the divine - through all things. If we call this the various terms used in scripture: enlightenment, salvation, Kingdom of God, etc... then this would further us on that path. If God is love, then what "greater love hath a man than this…"
"How can a man inspire someone to win a race when he has never finished one in his life?"
We never finish it in this life, but I understand your meaning. We are discussing what practices further our growth.
To put it in simpler terms: A man all wrapped up in self makes a mighty small package.
thanks for your response and discussion...