Today’s reading from the Oahspe: Book of Inspiration, chapter 11.
The reading from Oahspe puts a lot of emphasis on personal understanding, freedom, and connection with Creator.
The scriptures teach us to have a personal connection with Creator. “Let each person hear Me in the way that is best for their heart to understand.” Each person has their own path which the Great Spirit is leading them, if they are listening. Creator speaks to each individual in a unique way, and it is up to each person to listen with their heart and soul to truly understand their purpose in life. With that in mind, we must have a deep respect for individual spiritual journeys, where no one’s path is forced upon another. This does not mean all paths lead to Jehovih. There are some dangerous paths that lead man into darkness because he worships false gods and lords.
We are also taught to avoid following others blindly. “No one shall follow the steps of another blindly.” Self-discovery and critical thinking are very important to Faithists. Elders may provide guidance, but it is up to each individual to seek out the truth of what they are being taught. It is about walking with wisdom, not simply following the crowd or adhering to traditions without understanding their meaning.
Creator prefers that His people seek unity over division. “I do not desire divided groups or tribes set apart in conflict.” Faithists value community, unity, and peace. Many We must continue elevating the importance of working together and honoring the collective good. The division caused by conflict and competition goes against the natural harmony that is meant to exist among all people regardless of their tribe, nation or race.
We also see in the Oahspe the importance of freedom and autonomy. “Teaching man to understand the ways of freedom, especially in thought and knowledge, has been no small labor.” This is teaching us about freedom, not just in a physical sense but in thought and spirit. It is important in our communities to have freedom to make decisions, live in harmony with the land, and maintain personal and collective autonomy without interference from outside forces.
Again the holy writings warn us about the fallibility of human teachings. “Do not try to bind My truth in the laws of men or the governance of their councils.” This warns against the imposition of human-made structures or doctrines as absolute truths. Faithists have a deep understanding that human laws and systems can often distort the true teachings of Creator. The Great Spirit’s law is felt in the natural world, in balance, and in the sacred relationships among all beings, not necessarily in the books and doctrines created by men. In the same thought, we can learn from the earth and creation. “Study the Creator’s works and His creation, for in these is all you need.” This echoes the deep reverence for nature in Faithist spirituality. Many times nature can be seen as the sacred expression of Creator, and in the natural world, we can find all the teachings needed to live a full and harmonious life. The land, animals, and plants are not separate from Creator, but an embodiment of divine wisdom.
Guardianship and responsibility are also taught in this chapter. “You are a seed of Jehovih, planted by His Hand. Stand free and unbound from things that belong to the world.” All life is sacred and has a purpose. Humans are not rulers of the Earth but its stewards, with a responsibility to protect and nurture creation. To be free means to live in accordance with natural law, which is untainted by worldly desires, materialism and strife.
To sum these verses up, we are called to live in harmony with Creator’s will, to seek wisdom in our own hearts, to respect others’ paths, and to embrace freedom, autonomy, and unity. Connection to the Earth, freedom, and personal spiritual responsibility are central tenets within the life of Jehovih’s Faithists.
May the Great Spirit bless you,
Brother Good Medicine