When living in a community, what type of connection is most important? For some, it is knowing the neighbours next door; for others, it is having a good rapport with the local shopkeepers or managers, for some, it is being friendly with those in the locality. The life that we live is often judged by outsiders, or those in the wider community, by our actions and interactions with others.
However, this is often seen on the surface level. What we wear, how we talk, and even what we give to others is observed by those we know, but also by those we may not know. But what happens at the home, or when meeting with loved ones, is often a different reality. These different lifestyles are often based on personal perceptions. What is necessary is a change in living.
As the Maha Satguru once gave an example of being light in a dark world, so he told His followers: “you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. So, in order for others to see the light, we must be able to lead by example by living in harmony with one another.
For many, this is a tough example to follow, especially when considering that the MahaSatguru lived such a perfect life while He was on this earth. As much as we would like to think that we are living a good life, others often have a completely different opinion of us. The important thing to understand in the Maha Satguru’s advice is that our deeds are meant to glorify God our Father in heaven; if what we do brings glory to God, then our example of living is a real-life example for others to see and follow.
In this life, we live a lifestyle that others also see, and often judge, according to what we do. But if we follow the Maha Satguru’s words, then what we think will inform what we do, and how we live in community with others. This affects our relationships with our loved ones, our colleagues, our friends, and even strangers; who will be able to realize that we don’t live for other people’s favour, but to glorify our Father God.