living simply

"All the world’s major religions, with their emphasis on love, compassion, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness can and do promote inner values. But the reality of the world today is that grounding ethics in religion is no longer adequate. This is why I am increasingly convinced that the time has come to find a way of thinking about spirituality and ethics beyond religion altogether." ~ Dalai Lama

 

Rules and regulations. This is the way I see organized religion today. "Do as I say, but not as I do" as opposed to "if you talk the talk, you'd better walk the walk!" 

When Jesus was asked by a curious man, "what must I do to get into Heaven?" Jesus replied "follow the Ten Commandments." "But I already do," the man replied. Then Jesus simplified it. He said, "Love God as you love yourself and love your neighbor."

There it is. Love God, love neighbor. If you love yourself, you wouldn't want to allow anything to happen that would hurt you, thus the same is true for others. Live the Golden Rule. 

It seems easy, but then life gets in the way. We want what others have. We get jealous of another for whatever reason. We do lie, cheat and steal...admit it..even pens from the office is considered stealing. Lie on your taxes lately? Feeling entitled to more than what you already "should" have? The list goes on.

Treat yourself right and then, go out and do that to others.

I said it was easy!

Have a blessed day!