Jesus said, “... The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display; nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence]” (Luke 17:20-22 AMP); and Jesus says, "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]" (John 10:10 AMP).
According to Marcus Borg the historical Jesus or pre-Easter Jesus set the example to follow; then, after His death, as the resurrected Post-Easter Jesus, He sends His Spirit, the Pneuma as Liquid Light that imparts divine power as we partake of the divine nature as it says in Peter. This liquid pneuma is described by Paul as being poured into the Christian and filling them with the divine nature and this energy overflows and brims over onto others by their being like a shining light and bearing the fruit of the spirit (pneuma).
So are we full of light, and overflowing, brimming with the presence of pneuma; so that we are shining lights of positivity and virtue-centeredness? Or are we negative and empty vessels (lacking love for ourselves and unconditional self-acceptance) and thus turning our shame and hurt onto others and sucking out the light and joy and abundance?
Jesus said in Luke 6:38:
Amplified Bible translation:
"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
And the Contemporary English Version translation:
"If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated."
If we are brimming with inner liquid light, overflowing with good deeds and a good example, then its more likely others will reciprocate that energy; for after they are overflowing with the liquid light (pneuma) we impart then they will be more likey to refill our soul's cup after we so generously filled theirs.
So are we full of light, and overflowing, brimming with the presence of pneuma; so that we are shining lights of positivity and virtue-centeredness? Or are we negative and empty vessels (lacking love for ourselves and unconditional self-acceptance) and thus turning our shame and hurt onto others and sucking out the light and joy and abundance?
Do we focus on the negative too much? Are we constantly talking down to others and excessively one-upping others so we can feel superior?
Are we bright lights that brighten others or do we act like dimmer switches that only turn to dim the atmosphere of a room: taking every opportunity to dim the mood of a room or dim other's souls (their mindset, heart, and vitality) by lowering their self-esteem or putting out their inner flame of light they rely on to fulfill their hopes and dreams?
We can brimmers or dimmers. We can brighten them so they brim with liquid light or dim their spirit.
We can brimmers or dimmers. We can brighten them so they brim with liquid light or dim their spirit.
The choice is ours and its a choice that makes all the difference.
A great way to remember to be an abundant light, a force of Christ-energy, is to think in terms of brim-brim. I came up with this idea after learning about the concept of win-win from Stephen Covey. Bight-bright follows the same basic format; only instead of seeking mutually beneficial deals, brim-brim focuses on shining brightly yourself (loving thyself first and foremost) and then loving others by brightening their self-esteem (well-being and confidence).
I can remember this one young man who was the young men's leader at this church I attended in my youth. He was a brightener and lived the principle of brim-brim daily. Despite the fact that he was in a wheelchair it was as if he walked upright in spirit: he beamed with love and positivity and hope more than most who could walk upright and took walking for granted. He believed he could walk again someday, in this life or the next.
As Dale Carnigie talks about, he was genuinely interested in us as persons. He encouraged us and was always building us up. His bright mood and light of joy would also shine on the room and filled it with friendship and warmth and manly camaraderie. He was a true budding branch bearing the fruit of the spirit (pneuma), a person in tune with the True Vine.
A great way to remember to be an abundant light, a force of Christ-energy, is to think in terms of brim-brim. I came up with this idea after learning about the concept of win-win from Stephen Covey. Bight-bright follows the same basic format; only instead of seeking mutually beneficial deals, brim-brim focuses on shining brightly yourself (loving thyself first and foremost) and then loving others by brightening their self-esteem (well-being and confidence).
I can remember this one young man who was the young men's leader at this church I attended in my youth. He was a brightener and lived the principle of brim-brim daily. Despite the fact that he was in a wheelchair it was as if he walked upright in spirit: he beamed with love and positivity and hope more than most who could walk upright and took walking for granted. He believed he could walk again someday, in this life or the next.
As Dale Carnigie talks about, he was genuinely interested in us as persons. He encouraged us and was always building us up. His bright mood and light of joy would also shine on the room and filled it with friendship and warmth and manly camaraderie. He was a true budding branch bearing the fruit of the spirit (pneuma), a person in tune with the True Vine.
