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Abundance: A Guiding Spirit
To anyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
Abundance and The Biblical Perspective
At a psychological level, Matthew’s Gospel has always confounded me. At first glance, my heart takes over as I focus on whether it is right for those who have to be given more. Does this not only enrich those that already have enough? Does it not guarantee that those who have not will never be able to escape their impoverished state by taking from them what little they may have? This raises questions about the concept of abundance.
While the wording suggests that one will grow rich, what I notice here is my propensity to go straight to a materialistic viewpoint. However, I don’t believe this to be the case when we view it from a theologically grounded lens. Instead, it invites us to consider the concept of abundance at a level beyond material wealth.
Matthew 13:12 suggests that the rich get richer, but this isn’t about material wealth. We know of biblical accounts that suggest we should likely look beyond material wealth. The true meaning of abundance comes when viewed from an ethos grounded in Christ’s teachings itself. I do not believe it to be about money. Instead, the quote speaks of the abundance of love found in God’s Kingdom.
To Live Abundantly in God’s Kingdom
Living in God’s Kingdom means aligning with His values: love, generosity, and faith. When we operate from this mindset, we cultivate an inner abundance that attracts blessings. Some of gifts can be material, others involve an evolvement of character. Yet, when we turn our mind towards a mindset of abundance, we may naturally gravitate towards ideals that are material in nature.
Many have read the best-selling book, The Secret, and quite possibly its sequels. The concept of abundance is abound in its rich storytelling nature. I wonder: can we apply the contributors’ mindset to deepen the psychological resolve needed to find abundance of purpose and fulfillment, rather than just exploit the material readily at the forefront of the psyche?
Purpose and fulfillment are key. When we use our gifts to serve others and live a life of meaning, we experience abundance. This can, and often does lead to material wealth. For those who have, can give more, which in turn allows them more space to receive.
Yet, as we may also know deep within our soul, when we leave this earth, we take nothing of the material gatherings we collect with us to meet God. Matthew’s perspective on growing “rich” makes it easy fall into the loop of materialism. However, I cannot help but think, is this the abundance God desires for us to receive? I heartily believe not.
Instead, when viewing much of the psychological pathology that surrounds us, I cannot help but think, maybe, the riches that God desires for us is simply a life overflowing with joy, peace, and love, those fundamental elements needed for us to grow into the nature of our being.
Tuning into Abundance: A Depth Psychological Experience
Got Abundance? I always liked the milk commercial of a similar persuasion. However, to create abundance reflects the need to persuade ourselves to deeply examine those entities already present. We have the ability to rid ourselves of the excess psychological baggage. When we do this, we can then make space for that which is to come.
By engaging in thorough examination, we can then confront our innermost self. You know that self that speaks directly with God? Even if there is not a belief present, if you ever engaged with your conscience, you know of the experience. This internal dialogue fosters inner abundance.
The Spirit and the Conscience Nature of Being
As a child, I was exposed to the cartoon Tom and Jerry. Both the protagonist and antagonist would oftentimes have a devil and angel pop up on their shoulder. Flip a coin, and let me know, what to choose? Anyone exposed to the cartoons of the 1930’s through the 1990’s would have experienced this motif. However, in recent cartoons, I have not seen the same emphasis on moral choices. I wonder, what gives?
The Holy Spirit. What a beautiful and uplifting force that guides. Yet, hopefully we listen to its presence in our lives. When we follow the winged angel on the shoulder, we oftentimes make morally correct choices. However, consciousness oftentimes poses us with the path of least resistance. For as we know in the fall, we may often succumb to those most fanciful of winds that call upon our inner being.
The shadow or light? I cannot help but think about the lesson to be learned from both. Maybe, it is this that stands behind Carl Jung’s philosophy, when he explored profound growth possible when engaging shadow work. I wonder, what growth can we achieve when we give ourselves to a higher power, let go, and let God.
To be conscience represents the fall. Yet there is beauty to be gleaned from the ashes of the original deceit. It lays the onus of choice clearly at our feet, to espouse ourselves to a heavenly oriented host. There is psychological gold during this life, as well as the next, when we let go of material ways, and tune into the abundance that simply surrounds us.
Concluding Thoughts
To be abundant represents a mindset we tune into. Yet, with the material nature of modern day life, it can be difficult to tune ourselves away from that which we lack towards a more grateful state. To let go, and Let God, we create space. This can be a scary space. For anyone that has had too much time on their hands knows, “idle hands can be the devil’s work.” Consciousness and the fall dictates this simple phenomenon.
Yet, what can we do, to honor that which we have, so that the wealth of what is to come may be given? Contemplate on this for a minute. Let it permeate. I believe that God operates on His time. Yet, that may conflict with what we perceive to be more important, that of our own time. This is where patience as a virtue comes into play, for the wisdom of the Kingdom, is earned, and not learned.
I cannot help but laugh as I write that, as I watch the hair on my head grey. I too have sorely lacked patience in my life. Yet, I find myself more open to its embrace, as I have have spent more time rotating around the sun.
When we earn, we experience. And it is simply through that experience that we shift, and develop the ability to let go and Let God. God speed, and God willing, when we let go, maybe a nascent seed takes form, to grow a new pathway towards the light of our life giving force.
May God guide you on your journey to envision, chart a course, and advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
A Day’s End Haiku: Kiss the Setting Sun
Day fades, a grieving song
Spring’s warm breath, abundance longs,
Kiss the setting sun.
~Dr. Thomas Maples
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