The Way
The path to true spiritual growth and self-realization lies beyond the superficial doctrines and beliefs that many religious institutions promote. To achieve genuine transformation and tap into our innate divinity, we must transcend simplistic interpretations of spiritual teachings and explore deeper into their essence. The conventional understanding of Christianity often focuses on basic doctrines like belief, repentance, baptism, and judgment. However, these are merely the starting points of a much more profound journey. Clinging to these elementary concepts keeps us in a state of spiritual infancy, preventing us from accessing the true power of transformation that lies at the heart of Jesus' teachings.
Hebrews 6:1-3
New Living Translation
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
There comes a time when our spiritual maturity allows us to discuss Jesus in a new light, focusing on what he represents rather than who he was. This shift in perspective is crucial for our deeper understanding of the Gospel's transformative power (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The verses in Hebrews 6:1-3 highlight this by urging us to move beyond the foundational doctrines of Christianity—repentance, faith, baptism, resurrection, and judgment. These are essential but meant for the immature, those still in the initial stages of their spiritual journey. The author of Hebrews criticizes this focus on doctrines as a sign of spiritual immaturity. It reveals that ancient Christians, like many today, were preoccupied with a transactional understanding of the Gospel. This approach emphasizes belief and repentance as a means to secure a place in heaven, neglecting the Gospel's transformational power, which offers a profound inner change in this lifetime. The call is not merely to believe but to transform, to experience a deep inner awakening that aligns us with the divine.
The real message of Jesus is not about worshipping him as a historical figure or adhering to a set of rigid beliefs. Instead, it's about recognizing what he represents - the potential for divine realization within every human being. His life story serves as a blueprint for our own spiritual evolution, demonstrating the process of growth through experience and suffering that we all must undergo (John 14:12; 1 Peter 2:21). Each of us possesses both human and divine aspects. We are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We are not separate from the divine, but rather expressions of it in human form. We came forth from God, our deepest DNA is divine. This understanding fundamentally changes our perspective on the purpose of life and the meaning of our experiences. Every challenge, every moment of suffering, becomes an opportunity for growth and self-realization.
It is also important to understand that the incarnation, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus reveal to us the pattern of Reality. This cycle is not just a one-time historical event, but a blueprint for our own spiritual journey. As Jesus himself puts it, “Unless I go, the Spirit cannot come” (John 16:7). We, multiple times in our lives, die to an old way of living and rise to a new way of being. As Jesus taught, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). This principle applies to our own lives - we must be willing to let go of our old selves, our limiting beliefs and patterns, in order to be reborn into a higher state of consciousness. The call to "lose ourselves to find ourselves" (Matthew 16:25) is an invitation to this continuous process of death and resurrection in our spiritual lives. This is the universal pattern of transformation.
Understanding Jesus as a representation of our potential shifts the focus from worshipping him to following his example. His life becomes a model for our journey from humanity to divinity. This path is not about adhering to doctrines but about living in a way that reflects our divine nature (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 5:16). The early Christians referred to themselves as followers of "The Way," emphasizing a way of life rather than a set of beliefs. As my friend Nick Moon writes, Jesus is not the "only way." Jesus’ way is the only way!
Jesus’ teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), call us to a higher standard of living. The teachings invite us to participate in a new humanity characterized by (Matthew 5:3-9):
Humility
Compassionate
Vulnerability
Simplicity
Justice / Solidarity
Mercy
Open-heartedness
Nonviolent Peacemaking
Perseverance
Loving Kindness
This transformation is marked by a rebirth, a profound inner change that aligns us with the principles of the Kingdom of God.
A crucial distinction that deepens our understanding of following Jesus is the difference between 'faith in Jesus' and the 'faith of Jesus.' While 'faith in Jesus' often refers to believing in his divinity or his role as savior, the 'faith of Jesus' points to the trust and conviction that Jesus himself embodied. This prepositional shift from 'in' to 'of' moves us from mere belief about Jesus to actively living out the faith that Jesus demonstrated. It invites us to trust in the divine as Jesus did, to love as he loved, and to pursue justice as he did. This perspective aligns with the idea of Jesus as a model for our own spiritual evolution, encouraging us to not just believe in him, but to embody the same faith, trust, and way of life that he exemplified.
The goal is not to escape our humanity or to achieve some otherworldly state. Instead, it's about fully embracing our human experience while simultaneously awakening to our divine nature. This is what it means to become "fully human" - to integrate both our earthly and spiritual aspects into a harmonious whole. True spiritual maturity involves moving beyond the need for external validation or adherence to rigid doctrines. It requires us to look within ourselves, to explore the depths of our consciousness, and to cultivate a direct connection with the divine essence that resides in each of us. This inner journey is far more transformative than any outward religious observance.
The teachings of Jesus, when understood at a deeper level, are not about creating a new religion or system of beliefs. His teachings are about showing us a way of life - "The Way" - that leads to personal transformation and the realization of our highest potential. Jesus is not the "only way." Jesus’ way is the only way! This path involves awakening from the unconscious patterns that keep us trapped in cycles of suffering and destructive behavior. To truly follow Jesus' teachings means to embody the qualities he exemplified - love, compassion, forgiveness, and a commitment to justice and peace. It means challenging the status quo, questioning societal norms that perpetuate inequality and suffering, and actively working to create a more just and compassionate world (Isaiah 1:17; Matthew 5:9).
Jesus’ Way is the way of:
radical love (John 13:34-35)
lavish generosity (Luke 6:38)
extravagant forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22)
inclusive hospitality (Luke 14:12-14)
compassionate action (Matthew 9:36)
selfless service (Matthew 20:28)
a passion for justice (Matthew 5:6)
creative nonviolence (Matthew 5:39)
simple living (Luke 12:15)
This approach to spirituality is not passive. It demands active engagement with the world around us (2 Peter 1:4). It calls us to confront systems of oppression, to stand up for the marginalized, and to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities (Hebrews 13:2; Philippians 2:3-4). This is the true meaning of living a "holy" life - not withdrawal from the world, but full, conscious participation in it from a place of love and wisdom. The transformation we seek is not just individual, but collective (Matthew 25:35-36). As we awaken to our own divine nature, we begin to see the same divinity in others. This recognition naturally leads to a more inclusive, compassionate way of relating to all of humanity and to the natural world. It breaks down the artificial barriers that separate us and fosters a sense of global unity and interconnectedness (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10).
True spiritual growth requires us to move beyond the comfort of familiar beliefs and practices. It demands that we question everything, including our own assumptions and conditioning. This process can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it is essential for genuine transformation. We must be willing to let go of outdated ideas and open ourselves to new perspectives and experiences. The journey of self-realization is not about achieving perfection or becoming superhuman. It's about fully embracing our humanity in all its aspects - both the light and the shadow. It involves acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses, not to judge or condemn ourselves, but to understand and integrate all parts of our being (Matthew 7:5).
This path of transformation is not reserved for a select few or for those who follow a particular religion. It is the birthright of every human being. We all have the capacity to awaken to our true nature and to live from a place of deep wisdom and compassion. The teachings of Jesus and other spiritual masters throughout history are meant to guide us towards this realization, not to create exclusive clubs or to divide humanity. The challenge we face is to move beyond passive belief and into active embodiment of spiritual truths. It's not enough to intellectually understand these concepts; we must live them in our daily lives. This means cultivating practices that help us stay connected to our inner wisdom, such as meditation, contemplative prayer, self-reflection, and conscious action in the world.
As we progress on this path, we begin to see that the distinction between the sacred and the secular dissolves. Every aspect of life becomes an opportunity for growth and expression of our divine nature. Work, relationships, creativity, and even mundane tasks can become vehicles for spiritual practice and self-realization. The ultimate goal of this journey is not to escape the world or to achieve some final state of enlightenment. It is to fully engage with life from a place of awakened consciousness (John 10:10). It's about bringing more light, love, and wisdom into the world through our thoughts, words, and actions.
This path of transformation is not always easy. It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to face our deepest fears and limitations. But the rewards are immeasurable. As we awaken to our true nature, we experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment. We become more effective agents of positive change in the world, contributing to the healing and evolution of humanity as a whole, to “do even greater things” (John 14:12). The invitation is open to all of us to embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation. It begins with a simple shift in perspective - recognizing that the divine is not something external to us, but an inherent part of our being. From this foundation, we can begin to explore the depths of our consciousness and unlock our full potential as human beings.
Let us move beyond the limitations of dogma and rigid beliefs. Let us embrace the challenge of personal transformation and collective evolution. In doing so, we honor the true teachings of Jesus and all spiritual masters who have pointed the way to our inherent divinity. The time for spiritual awakening is now, and the power to realize our divine nature lies within each of us.
These teachings call us to move beyond superficial doctrines and embrace a spirituality that is deeply engaged with the world. They challenge us to see the divine in every person, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, and to act accordingly. This collective approach influences how we structure our societies, economic systems, and interpersonal relationships. It calls for a radical reimagining of community life, one that prioritizes compassion, justice, and mutual care over individual gain or doctrinal purity. By embracing this communal understanding of wholeness, we are called to be agents of transformation in our communities and the world at large. This approach to spirituality demands active engagement with societal issues, confronting systems of oppression, standing up for the marginalized, and being instruments of healing and reconciliation. This is ‘The Way.’
Divine Source of all being,
We stand in awe of the transformative power of Your love, revealed to us through the life and teachings of Jesus. As we journey beyond the surface of doctrines, we open our hearts to the profound truth of our divine nature.
May we embody The Way:
Radical love that knows no bounds,
Lavish generosity that overflows,
Extravagant forgiveness that heals,
Inclusive hospitality that welcomes all,
Compassionate action that transforms lives,
Selfless service that uplifts humanity,
A passion for justice that rights wrongs,
Creative nonviolence that breaks cycles of harm,
And simple living that honors Your creation.
Grant us the courage to die to our old selves,
To rise anew in the pattern of Your reality.
Let us be reborn, not just once, but continuously,
Shedding limiting beliefs to embrace our highest potential.
May we recognize the divine spark in every soul,
Breaking down barriers that divide us,
Fostering unity in our shared humanity.
Empower us to be agents of healing and reconciliation,
To confront oppression and stand with the marginalized.
Let our lives be living prayers,
Doing even greater things.
As we awaken to our true nature,
May we bring more light, love, and wisdom into the world,
Fulfilling Jesus' promise that we will do even greater things.
In gratitude for this journey of transformation,
We commit ourselves to The Way, Your Way,
Manifesting Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
special thanks to Nick Moon