Not everything suits us

From the innumerable contributions that Paul of Tarsus bequeathed us to a perfect understanding of the teachings of Jesus and of the laws established by the Creator, there is an unforgettable and surprisingly current phrase: "Everything is lawful to me, but not everything suits me." Apostle of the Gentiles added: "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by any."

There is nothing in the Spirit doctrine that resembles a list of what is or is not allowed.

The Spirit position regarding our lifelong behavior is identical to that suggested by Paul, who emphasizes the value of an attribute inherent in a special way to human beings: free will.

Free will implies moreover responsibility and it is based on this principle that we will face before the Law for all that we have done, thanks to decisions that we freely make, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the teachings of Jesus.

Every action corresponds to a reaction.

All who lay hands on the sword shall perish by the sword.

Do not pick figs from thorns.

He that soweth little shall reap few.

Sowing is free, but harvesting is compulsory.

In order to understand "not everything suits me" of the phrase spoken by Paul, it is necessary, of course, that the person has a real notion of the goals that the corporeal life presents to us.

Why are we born?

What is the purpose of being in this world so complicated and unjust?

Ending our stage in the earthly crust, what awaits us?

Can we be happy one day?

These reflections are excellent for a new year, which everyone, without exception, hope will be much better than 2017.

It is reproduced here an affectionate warning by a figure who left light marks in his passage through the Earth to assist in the suggested reflections:

"The soul can not be elevated to the high spiritual regions, but by the devotion to the neighbor; only in the outbursts of charity does it find happiness and consolation. Be good, shelter your brethren, let go of the hideous scourge of selfishness. When this duty is fulfilled, the path of eternal happiness will open. To the others, which among you has not yet felt the heart pulsate with joy, of intimate joy, to the narrative of an act of beautiful dedication, of a truly charitable work? If you were only looking for the pleasure that good action provides, you will always be on the path of spiritual progress. You do not lack examples; rare is only goodwill. Note that your story is piously remembered by a multitude of good men. Did not Jesus tell you everything about the virtues of charity and love? Why despise his divine teachings? Why close the ear to his divine words, the heart to all his good precepts? I would like you to give more interest, more faith to the evangelical readings. You despise this book; consider it a repository of hollow words, a closed letter; forget this admirable code. Your evils come from voluntary abandonment to which you cast this summary of divine laws. Read it the shining pages of Jesus' devotion, and meditate on them." - St. Vincent de Paul, Spirit. (The Gospel according to Spiritism, chap. XIII, item 12.)