BEWARE THE SELF PROCLAIMED ENLIGHTENED ONE

There are few truly enlightened ones. In wisdom they allow us to discover them. They do not announce themselves nor do they hide.

I think of Jesus. He asked his friends, “Who do people say I am?” He admitted to being what you and I are, “Sons of God”, never confusing himself with his Father.

He allowed himself to be called, along with 28 other men, “Messiah”, meaning one “specially called by God”, prominent among whom was Cyrus The Great, King of Persia, who earned the title by freeing the enslaved Jews from Babylon and helping rebuild the Temple. He was not a Jew.

Those who proclaim their greatness seldom are.

Prominent among self declared “enlightened ones” are the dictators of WWII, Hitler and Mussolini.

It is common for autocrats to proclaim a special calling to lead people in a messianic fashion in order to gain total control.

Today’s best example is Donald Trump. He can admit no error because Messiahs make no errors. He cannot be a looser, or at least admit to it.

To follow a false messiah is to walk in darkness. You will stumble and fall.

A truly enlightened one is known by his deeds more than words. He seeks no honor. He forgives quickly, carries no grudge, seeks no revenge, loves all.

He is both gentle and pragmatic. He can err, have a temper, yet forgives himself as he does others.