Mysticism & Gospel of Thomas – No. 81 – Rule by Serving

Verse - Rule by Serving

Jesus said, “Let those who have become rich rulers rule, and let those who have renounced renounce.”

Comment

The one who lives from the fullness of the Kingdom of God demonstrates his rule through self-control by giving generously and not making use of his superiority. He rules - but not in the sense of the unawakened who want to rule over others, but in the sense of God, who is at the heart of everything and reveals himself in eternal self-sacrifice in all living things. He rules through serving, works through letting go, reveals his power through renunciation and his wealth through giving. In doing so, he follows another of Christ's words:

With these transitory things that do not belong to you, earn what is truly yours and does not perish.

Learn to use the things of the world without clinging to them, to let them go without attaching your desire to them. Learn to be rich from within and not to be needy on the outside. Regardless of the coming and going of external goods, you are always awake and receptive to the internal ones - and in doing so reveal that you are heirs of the Kingdom of God.