Ideally, those who have covenanted with the Creator would live in a community designed specifically with their needs and requirements in mind. However, what is ideal for some, may be impossible for others. We can not judge others because of their particular situation in life. Some brethren have voiced their desire to live in a community but due to family obligations, young children, lack of finances to move to another country, or other reasons, that they are unable to do so. Some have expressed that they feel they may be letting the Creator down because of their particular lot in life.
As Faithists, we strive to live a life that is pleasing to Jehovih and to keep the teachings of the Oahspe and the Masters before us at all times. Not only do we read the sacred texts, but we study them diligently, and contemplate on the words in our scriptures. In time, if we apply what is being studied, we gain a better appreciation for the value of the Oahspe, and we are in a better position to be obedient to Jehovih’s commandments.
John Newbrough said, “Faithists have faith in the Creator, Jehovih, only; and Him only do they worship, and no other God, nor Lord nor Saviour. They maintain that the three great commandments are sufficient for the saving of the race from poverty, crime and all manner of wickedness. The three great commandments are re-revealed in Oahspe Bible, are:
- Strive to be attuned to thy Creator with all thy wisdom and strength;
- love they neighbour as thyself; and do good unto others with all thy might all the days of thy life,
- perceiving no evil in any man, woman or child, but in their birth and surroundings.
Newbrough stated that Faithists “call the world’s people Uzians, or people of Uz. The religion of the Uzians, the Faithists call — ‘words and only words.’ Faithists call their own religion — ‘the practice of the three great commandments.’ They profess to try to practice the lesser commandments to return good for evil; to do unto others as one desires to be done by; to own or possess whatever is required in equality. They say one cannot fulfil the two commandments while living in Uz. Therefore Faithists desire to dwell in communities in order to be with such as will live the higher life.” While we strive to live separate lives from those of the Uzians, we must remember not to develop an elitist attitude toward anyone else. We do not elevate any race, colour, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation above that of another. We practice equality as far as it is possible within the society in which we currently live and with the knowledge that we have gained from our practice of the Creator’s commandments.
As painful as it may be, we are forced to admit that living in a community today is not always possible for each individual or family of Faithists. There are certain hindrances or obligations to family members or other reasons that will hinder some brothers and sisters from making a complete break from the Uzians.
Rabbah Rish’kahni said, “In a modern world it is almost impossible to live without relying on the Uzians for one reason or another. For example, most of us must purchase goods from worldly manufacturers and retail stores. Most of us do not have the resources or talents to make our own shoes, build our own homes, or manufacture our own medications. While these things are possible, as they were in the past, it is not practical in the world in which we live today.”
Rabbah also said that affiliation with a Faithist organization is a doctrinal point of the Kosmon Era. He said, “This is a doctrinal point in the Oahspe Bible, that affiliation with other Faithists is of great importance and part of our covenant with Jehovih. This binds us as a spiritual community wherever we are on the planet. Part of our purpose is to unite as a family, regardless of the miles/kilometres we are from one another.”
The Oahspe says: “I say unto thee. If thou do not live in a brotherhood on earth, thou shalt not soon find one in heaven. But thou shalt unite thyself with such as are compatible with thee; with whom thou shalt live equal in all things, wherein thou canst do unto them as thou wouldst be done by, loving them as thyself, returning them good constantly. Being willing to make any sacrifice of thine own self’s desires for sake of founding the Father’s kingdom on earth.” (Judgement 16:37-39)
Those who are able to join together in order to establish a proper community, based on the Oahspe and the revelations of the celestial beings in this modern age, are certainly encouraged to do so. Before making such a life-changing decision, each individual is encouraged to pray for guidance from our Heavenly Father concerning the matter. This is no light matter. There have been attempts by some Faithists in the past to establish communities, but not being ready or by jumping ahead of Jehovih’s plans, they failed miserably. We do not wish to repeat their mistakes. We wish to be as prepared as possible and to have Jehovih’s blessing.
The Worldwide Faithist Association helps united brethren no matter where they are in the world, and provides encouraging messages to members in order to help them maintain their covenant with our loving Creator.
Rabbah Rish’kahni also said that whether we are living among the Uzians or away from them, “live separate from them spiritually. We do not wish to adopt their ways if those ways are detrimental to our own level of spirituality, spiritual growth or if they demean our Creator and His Name.” With the understanding that some brothers and sisters can not, for various reasons, move to an isolated Faithist community at this time, Rabbah said that “it is not required of Faithists to live physically separate from Uzians.” He stated, “Wherever you are in the world, and whatever lot you have been given, whether you are isolated or with a family, be a light to the nations. Demonstrate your love and devotion to Jehovih, and help others come to worship only Him. In fulfilling His commandments and by doing His work, you are never alone.”
Let us pray for those who can not come together at this time as a living, working community for Jehovih’s Kingdom, and encourage them to remain faithful to His commandments. Let us pray and support those who are able to establish Faithist communities, that they always have strong faith through various trials and that their work is profitable.
(JBS)