Chapter Focus: We cannot trust our emotions to lead us. Our feelings can easily misdirect our focus. The wise disciple aims toward a full relationship with Christ. Don’t get distracted by the curiosities of the day. Stay focused on Christ.
Chapter 33, In Short.
- Do not trust your emotions which can quickly turn into something else.
- The aim of your intention must be clear and directed to Christ.
Question: Are you trusting too much in emotions? Are you keeping your eye directed towards God?
The Text of Chapter 33: Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God.
The Voice of Christ: “My Child, do not trust your emotions, for whatever your emotions are now, these emotions will quickly change into something else. For as long as you live you will be subject to change, no matter how unwilling. One moment you may be found joyful, now sad; now at peace, now disquieted; now devout, now profane; now studious, now careless; now sad, now cheerful.
But the disciple who is truly wise and learned in spirit will stand above these changeable emotions. You should be attentive not to what you may feel in yourself, or from what direction the wind blows, but that the whole intent of your mind may carry you to the proper and much-desired end. In this way you will be able to remain whole and unshaken, the single eye of your desire being steadfastly fixed upon Me, through the many changes of the world.
2. “But as the eye of your intention is more pure, even so will you make your way steadfastly through many storms. But in many the eye of pure intention grows dim, because the eye quickly rests upon anything pleasant. Indeed, it is a rarity to find any one altogether free from the blemish of self-seeking. Just so, the Jewish community of Bethany came to the house of Martha and Mary, not that they might see Jesus, but Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead (Jn 12:9). Therefore the eye of the intention must be cleansed, so that it may be single and right. It must be directed towards Me, despite all the things which come in its way.”