LOYALTY AND SERVICE

Each of us possesses special gifts: some professional, others for varied kinds of work. However, all of us must soon learn that "He who is chief must first and last loyally serve men. men." There are too many seeking power without serving with dedication to the purpose chosen. For this reason we must compare: loyalty, understanding, love, ability, brotherhood and yearning. Everyone must be devoted to a cause, a person and to well-being. Loyalty overcomes deceit and false concepts. It is pitiable that man is so prone to criticize words and actions of others often without cause, so we must have understanding, but first loyalty.

My definition of a friend is: one who knows a person with all his faults and still has the highest admiration for him. Here is found true admiration based on full understanding. When we learn to know certain individuals, who were at first disliked, quite often we find friendship or an association that is worthwhile. For this reason it is wise for all of us to travel on the Path of Truth in understanding, avoiding negative statements regarding people or affairs with which we are unacquainted. Understanding is a quality that each person must possess of himself, for his work and also of his associates. Too many lightly gloss over this necessary knowledge, as is frequently done in school. How can anyone criticize actions not understood? Because of plain warped misjudgement which comes through failing to look for the TRUTH, and this is often done when a mind is full of deceit.

Love is based on loyalty and understanding. To follow the Path of Truth we must have LOVE, not only for our own but for our fellow man, when warranted. One in my position finds that love of fellow man is necessary, because without it I would find myself unable to assist anyone. There are many who daily abuse this most

one

necessary part of the Path of Truth. It has been said that God is love; but many of you will tell me there is no God, no Church with understanding! Of the "Man-Made variety" I heartily agree, as to a Church. I am not preaching Church here, but practical practice of precepts so very basic to man and his welfare.

Years ago I heard a speaker define ability as "that force of strength giving capability and efficiency" which boils down to a repetition of synonymous terms. I prefer to think of ability as that quality we possess to allow us to do a good job, to gain friends and have understanding. The ability to gain friends forms the bond of brotherhood that makes us all One in our love, understanding and loyalty.

All these may be realized through yearning to do that which is proper to the natural desires of us all, but there must be sincerity in this yearning to avoid deceit and strange ways. Too many people are unable to look themselves squarely in the face and find the truth. Those who continually attempt to follow the advice that is so foreign to their personality soon find a barrier causing unhappiness. As an example, a good doctor must have a yearning to assist humanity, yet he must earn his livelihood. Many of these dedicated men are following the Pathway of Truth, but some few forget everything sincere, think only of the monetary gain, and this small number cause people to unjustly condemn those who are good.

ORIGINAL CHRISTIAN DOCUMENTS

Twisted meanings and willful translations of ancient manuscripts have caused many people to doubt the very positive messages of love and understanding which were meant to be of assistance to all mankind. Many writings of the past give evidence of the Path of Truth to those who today are reviled. Even the words of Jesus the Christ have been twisted from the real

6