re: #456 William Barnett-Lewis

For that to happen, those of us who believe have to give other people reasons to believe.

I am in the middle of an essay about living the way, the works, that Christ taught because if you simply blather about “faith” or “scripture” it means nothing to people trying to make their way in the world.

Even in Islam is Zakat to the needy. One does not really believe in God if one does not do what God commands.

I like what Sheikh Esref Efendi of Berlin has to say:

Selam aleykum

We are here to learn and to listen. To listen closely. In order to learn you need to listen first. We want to start with the words of the prophet (pbuh): “Oh Lord, do not leave us alone with our ego for even a moment. Give us useful knowledge and protect us against useless knowledge. Because if there is useful knowledge there will be useless knowledge as well.”

We ask what is the greatest problem of us humans these days? - It is our ego. If we look up to the heavens and see the angels they do not have an ego and have no problems. No ego, no envy, no jealousy, no greed. So what do we need to do? - Let us become angels. But that is easier said than done because the angels have no ego to begin with. But is there no way for us to become angels? - Yes, but through your ego. You need to overcome it first.

………..

So how to overcome your ego? How to do that? - We recommend: Ask. Ask how to do so and you will get small pieces of advice. And once you start to follow slowly but surely you will overcome your problems with your ego.

The biggest problem of humanity is its ego as the ego likes to put on airs and tries to look greater than it is and claims: “I am someone as well and have skills as well. Why does no one appreciate? Why does no one honor me that high and even higher, as that is how it is supposed to be?”
And the ego claims: “I can do things and have skills.”
It also claims: “I am useful, I am doing good and do good for other.”

……………

There are goldmines. Have you ever heard the gold calling up: “Hey there, I am worth a lot.”
No, never! Oh you piece of gold, hidden inside the dirt, what value do you have, if there was no one with a gold detector to find you and dig you up? If there is no gold master, to dig you up and tell the world how expensive you are, you are worth nothing

We are taking it even further. If there was no master of gold taking that piece of metal out of the earth, melting and shaping it into form for display - have you ever heard all those gems, sparkling in their displays, calling out, look, how beautiful they are?
No, they are staying put humbly for others to marvel at their beauty. So you piece of gold, do you wonder why?

So tell your ego: “Look at yourself in the mirror. If you are being of service to humans, to animals or even the whole of creation, spit at yourself and scold yourself for being so boasting.”
Do not praise yourself and stop counting your good deeds because in comparison to the Lord they are nothing. So stop that. Stop counting your good deeds but let others do that for you.

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