[This article, the first of five, is designed to give a better understanding of the Truth Principles on which we base our teachings and life.]
“God is all, both invisible and visible. One Presence, Knowledge, and Power is All. This One that is All is Perfect Life, Love, Intelligence and Substance.”— Statement of Fundamentals, Unity
Principles are simple, yet powerful, profound models that help us understand the world in which we live. Webster's says that principles are general or scientific laws that show how something works. I believe we could add that the term “principles” applies not only to general scientific laws, but also to spiritual laws that show us how something works — and how these laws work every time they are put to use.
Principles have the same results no matter where, when, what, why or who uses them. Principles are forever, and we never have to question their validity. They don't wear out, rust out, dry out, or wash out; they can't be used up, depleted, or exhausted. Remember? Principles are simple yet powerful, profound models that help us understand the world in which we live.
Principles are expressions of the One Principle, God. The basic foundational Principle of Truth is, “There is but One Presence and One Power, God— the everywhere present Spirit of Absolute Good!”
We have all had false impressions of God. Depending on our early training, we gathered information from our families, churches, school, and society and formed a patchwork of beliefs. Many of us grew up with the idea that God was a “supernatural being” who created the world a long time ago
and now watches over His creation from Heaven. This God is often viewed as a judgmental, angry, and punishing God; a God that can never be trusted. As we have grown up, matured and come face to face with life and its issues, that early concept of God has not been big enough to handle the challenges of our lives.
So, we have searched, and through that search found a new understanding of God and His relationship with His beloved creation. Our God is not a reluctant God, but a loving, caring, protective God, who does not punish, but loves His creation. It is of great comfort to know that God is with us, every step we take on this path of life. We need not doubt or fear, we are His beloved creation “in whom He is well pleased.” He loves us and cares for us. We were not thrown into this life experience and told, “Figure it out, struggle, strain, it's up to you.” We don't have a punishing,
disinterested, reluctant God.
God is absolute good! God is all-knowing (omniscient); the source of all knowledge. We have access to all of the wisdom and intelligence in the universe. We are one with God-Mind; the all knowingness of God. There is an answer readily available to us for every question. If there is a decision or choice to be made, know that we are one with Divine Intelligence, and ask God to reveal what would be the highest good for all concerned. Then, listen to the still small voice within. It might not answer immediately, but it will answer — and then you follow God's lead.
God is everywhere present (omnipresent), equally present in the universe. There is not a spot where God is not! Wherever we are, God is; we are never alone no matter what we may be going through; God is with us, guiding and protecting us at all times, and all places. He is with us in times
of joy and in times of despair. Start the day with the idea of God's protective presence going before you, clearing the way for a happy, prosperous, successful day. Feel His presence. Relax in the arms of God, knowing that all is well in your world—better and better, moment by moment.
“God is all-powerful (omnipotent). God is the only power that is. God is All-Power; thus, all things are possible with Him.” (from The Revealing Word by Unity's co-founder, Charles Fillmore). There can be no evil power, for God is All-Power and is a mighty force for good. “Evil is a parasite. It has no permanent life of itself; its whole existence depends on the life it borrows from its parent, and when its connection with the parent is severed, nothing remains.” (The Revealing Word)
God is All-Power, unfailing, limitless to every degree; all things are possible with Him. If things feel challenging and impossible, call upon the Power of God, knowing that there is a Power for good in the universe greater than we are. We can use the Power, we can call upon this Power; and the response is immediate.
“... God can give all of himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others.” (Aiden. W. Tozer)
There is only one Presence and one Power, God the ever-present Spirit of Absolute good! If we have a need in our lives, we must remember this first mighty principle and focus on God, not the difficulty, situation or concern.
The solution to any problem is never found on the level of the problem. We must lift our eyes and our consciousness, and remember that the very Power and Intelligence that created the universe dwells within us, and nothing is impossible, incurable, or unattainable.
We live, move and have our Being in God. The Psalmists understood this mighty Truth, and so eloquently put it into words and song:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:1,2,3)
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far side of the sea, Even there your hand will guide me.” (Psalm 139: 78)
We don't have to concern ourselves with the trials of life— God is with us. We don't need to worry or be fearful of health, prosperity or relationships, God is with us, as close as our heartbeat, our very breath. There is always a divinely perfect solution, underlying every challenging situation. Wherever we are God is, and where God is, all is well!
“God is all, both invisible and visible. One Presence, Knowledge and Power is All. This one that is All is Perfect Life, Love, Intelligence and Substance...” ─Statement of Fundamentals.
Great things begin to happen when we begin to know this affirmation of Truth:
God Is All!