Offering, sacrifice, worship. On the left side of the symbol is the sign meaning a revelation from heaven. On the right side is the phonetic representing abundance by depicting many plants with beans.
If you would want a revelation from heaven, you must first make an offering.
The first act of devotion is offering.
We are each on a spiritual path, and we each hope to gain the abundance of that path. But how can we gain spiritual gifts unless we are receptive? After all, nothing spiritual can occur if we are occupied with self-regard. Therefore, worship needs an act that will signify a willingness to put aside self-centered occupations in favor of receptiveness to the divine. That is why all worship involves offering.
Devotion is a commitment. Through our daily acts of devotion, we demonstrate our determination to live a holy life. We cannot predict the time of our death, but we know we will die. That makes the time between the present and our death all the more important. Although that time will pass whether or not we do something valuable, it is far better to lead a positive life. That is why we need offering; it signifies the committment to lifelong devotion.
Ackowledgement becomes an act of humility and a very real understanding that what comes to us is not simply a result of our work, but a gift from Tao. Certainly, we cannot live without work, but equally, work alone will not sustain us. We live by the good fortune of what heaven and earth provide. We make our offering to show our gratitude.
Offering shows that we are receptive.
Offering shows that we are devoted.
Offering shows acknowledgement.
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Offering. An appropriate topic for a Sunday. I suppose what I think of as an offering is a bit different from a lot of people. Most think of it as money given at church. I think offerings can be made in alot of different ways. An unexpected kindness. Letting someone into traffic. Last night I met a woman who had been refused a refund on some batteries she bought from a store and I gave her the money the store had refused to give her. So there are many ways to make an offering. I garden organically and have vastly improved the soil around my house, introducing worms and getting rid of toxic chemicals in the water system. That is an offering. I put out healthy seed for the birds and grow sunflowers. That is an offering.
What kind of offerings do you make? Are you taking more than you need? Do you have some things you could spare? Why not offer them to others? Is there someone you need to thank for your success? A friend who needs your call or visit? An animal that needs to be adopted?
Make an offering. Today and every day.
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