Better Living Is the Standard, Not a Suggestion

Scripture Reading

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Introductory Remarks: 

As we celebrate 52 years of the Universal Foundation for Better Living, we must ask ourselves a serious question: Have we only inherited the language of Better Living, or have we accepted the standard of Better Living?

Because Better Living is easy to say. It is easy to print on a banner. It is easy to sing about, preach about, and celebrate. But the real question is: are we living it?

Better Living is not simply about having better things. It is about becoming a better expression of God. It is about allowing Truth to lift the standard of our consciousness, our choices, our relationships, our service, our stewardship, and our witness in the world.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly”.

That means the Christ standard is not survival. It is not mediocrity. It is not spiritual laziness. It is not emotional irresponsibility. It is not small thinking. It is abundant life.

So if abundant life is the intention of the Christ, then Better Living is not optional for the Truth student. It is the standard

Major Points of the Lesson:

1. Better Living Begins with Consciousness

2. Better Living Requires Spiritual Practice

3. Better Living Must Show Up in Conduct

4. Better Living Is a Collective Responsibility

5. Better Living Is the Evidence of Abundant Life

Quote: 

“I went to New Thought movement because, with this teaching, I make demonstrations in my life, in my body, in my world, in my affairs. Anything that can change things for the better in my life - I don’t care if it is called Tin Tub society - I will go with it! If you don’t want to use it, then that is your choice, and that’s okay, but if you do…take as much of it as you can. You don’t have to take my word for what I am teaching; I am getting it out of the Bible….It gives us direction and the instructions on how to unfold. And if it was good enough for those rich guys in the Old Testament, and if it was good enough for the Man from Nazareth, then I am going to follow it, too. I’m going to keep right on reading that Old Testament and that New Testament until I can get an understanding. That’s all we need- an understanding of how to use the Bible. “ Dr. Johnnie Colemon.

ASSIGNMENT:

This week, do not simply read Truth; practice it.

Each day, choose one area of your life where you desire to see Better Living demonstrated: your body, your finances, your relationships, your work, your attitude, your speech, or your spiritual discipline.

Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Matthew 8:13 each morning, then ask yourself:

What would Better Living look like in this area today?

Write one clear action you will take that day to let your light shine. It may be forgiving someone, speaking more consciously, improving your health, handling your affairs with excellence, giving generously, praying before reacting, or completing something you have delayed.

At the end of each day, write one sentence beginning with:

Today, I demonstrated Better Living by…