by Michael Maciel

I have a rather radical approach to theology.

I like to say that God’s will for us is that we get our prayers answered. That and that only. There is no plan and no vision other than that.

The reason for this is that the only efficacious actions are the ones we take unprompted, unscripted, and by our own free will. Those are the only actions that actually bring about soul growth.

They have to come from within us and not because someone told us what to do—not even God. Lukewarm doesn’t cut it.

We don’t get into heaven simply by following the rules—the Law has to be written in our hearts. Otherwise, obeying them doesn’t count, not in terms of spiritual development.

Behaving is not the same as being a good person. The proof of goodness is what arises in us spontaneously and automatically. Anything else is merely an attempt at goodness.

Everything we are is shouted from the rooftops of our actions. What we do consciously and deliberately only counts if it comes from within us of its own accord, not because we think it’s the “right thing to do.” It’s got to come from the heart, not the mind. 

God’s desire emerges from the very center of our heart. It comes from nowhere else. We find it only by being true to our first love—our heart’s desire.

What do you really want? Knowing that is the beginning of Right Action.