 We think
that survival is the primary desire of humanity. If this were true it would be an easy
circumstance to handle. However, our real panic in following the spiritual path is that of
losing our human identity.
Even as Jesus told those who wanted to follow him to leave all else, let the dead bury the
dead, render unto Caesar that which is Caesars and unto God that which is Gods.
Talking with the manager of
a stereo installation store he told me he was going to a class on getting to know oneself.
Upon further questioning he revealed he was in a theological seminary studying for his
master of theology degree. The seminary had students from various denominations and sought
to be broadminded while giving a basic biblical teaching. He said all were welcomed into
the theological fellowship. He intimated that the greatest fear of each of the students
was that they would lose their human identity as they became more and more advanced along
the spiritual way.
Is that a
disadvantage? I asked him.
Yes, he
insisted. We have been "put" here on Earth to be human and to have an
identity, to be our individual selves. If we merge in oneness with God there is no reason
for us being human.
You are right, I
agreed with him readily. If our purpose in being here is to be human, then losing our
humanity, our individuality, is a great loss.
Yes, yes!
he
instantly agreed.
However, we are
here to remember who we are, to remember our divinity. As we do this we will naturally
recognize that we are one as all, one as God and being one, even being God, we will be ALL
things. I him offered a little logic.
Okay but I
believe we are here to be human. He was adamant and his vision of Christianity was
that of being human. He cited many references.
He did not cite my favorite
scripture:
Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which in heaven is perfect.
—Matthew 5:48
He looked forlorn, But if we were perfect as God we would not be human and enjoy our
bodies, enjoy our world, enjoy our uniqueness.
I concluded with the
comment: Because I cannot now appreciate how it would feel to be a concert pianist, I
will not give up practicing. Something within me tells me I will enjoy this greatness. So
too, something within me tells me that being one as God, one as who I really am will far
excel uniquenes.
Dr Herbert L Beierle
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