3. Forces Within Man
“The contending forces that are within man as his individuality and personality… are that as self has builded, or that builded and the spirit of the living influence or life itself.” (262-40)
Meaning
This statement describes the inner conflict each person carries:
Individuality & Personality — the part of us shaped by choices, habits, ego, and “what self has builded.” This includes pride, selfish desires, and all the influences of the material world.
Spirit of the Living Influence (Life Itself) — the divine spirit, God’s life-force within us, which seeks to express truth, love, and unity.
These are the two forces within man:
The self-made identity (personality/ego).
The God-given spirit (divine life within).
The Contention
These forces are often in tension:
The ego/self pulls us toward self-interest, fear, and separation.
The spirit calls us toward love, service, and oneness with God.
This is why daily life feels like a battlefield inside — we are constantly choosing which force will rule our thoughts and actions.
Spiritual Insight
Individuality and personality are temporary constructions built by self.
The spirit is the eternal essence of life from God.
True growth happens when the personality yields to the spirit, allowing God’s oneness to shine through us.
This mirrors Paul’s words in Romans 7: “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
Practical Application
Awareness: Notice the “two voices” in daily choices — ego vs. spirit.
Discernment: Ask in each situation: “Am I acting for self’s glory, or God’s?”
Alignment: Through prayer and meditation, invite the spirit of God to guide the personality, transforming it into a true expression of individuality in Him.
Summary
The “forces within man” are the tension between what self has builded (ego/personality) and the spirit of the living God within us. Spiritual growth is the process of letting the spirit lead, so that individuality becomes an instrument of God’s unity rather than a battleground of self.
4. Aligning with God’s Will
“My life, my activities, my thoughts, my meditation, must be more and more in accord with the will of the Father.” (262-40)
Meaning
This statement emphasizes that every part of life — not just religious moments — must move into harmony with God’s will.
Life → our daily habits, choices, and relationships.
Activities → what we do in work, service, and interaction.
Thoughts → our inner attitudes, motives, and mindset.
Meditation → our spiritual practice of drawing near to God.
In other words, alignment is not partial or occasional. It’s a progressive transformation where the whole self bends toward God’s purposes.
Spiritual Insight
The self (ego, personal will) often resists surrender, seeking its own desires.
Aligning with God’s will means choosing His purposes over self-interest.
The more we do this, the more “oneness” becomes visible in our lives — and the less the “carnal influence” controls us.
This reflects Jesus’ own model: “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Why It Matters in the Lesson
The lesson “The Lord thy God is One” is not only a truth about God but also a call for oneness of will — our will becoming one with His. Only then do we truly mirror the divine unity.
Practical Application
Daily Surrender: Begin the day by praying, “Lord, align my will with Yours in all I do today.”
Decision Check: In moments of choice, ask: “Does this glorify God or self?”
Meditation: Use quiet reflection to listen for God’s direction and re-center your heart.
Consistency: Let the alignment show not only in worship but in speech, work, and how you treat others.
Summary:
To align with God’s will is to bring every layer of our being — life, activities, thoughts, meditation — into harmony with Him. This surrender allows us to live the truth of “The Lord thy God is One” by making His oneness the guiding force of our existence.
Alignment with God’s Will as the Key Link
The Forces Within Man (Tension)
On one side: Ego / Personality → pride, selfishness, fear.
On the other side: Spirit / Life of God → love, unity, truth.
These create inner contention (262-40).
The Role of Will
The deciding factor is the will.
If the will chooses ego → life becomes fragmented, self-centered, and separated from God.
If the will chooses spirit → the personality is transformed, and unity with God shines through.
This is why the reading stresses:
“My life, my activities, my thoughts, my meditation, must be more and more in accord with the will of the Father.”
Oneness with God through Alignment
Aligning with God’s will is the bridge that resolves the conflict between self and spirit.
It unifies body, mind, and soul under one purpose: to glorify God.
This lived oneness proves the truth: “The Lord thy God is One.”
The Christ Example
Jesus models this alignment in His prayer at Gethsemane:
“Not my will, but Thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
His complete surrender demonstrates perfect unity with the Father — the goal toward which we are called.
Practical Reflection
Ask daily:
Which force is guiding my choice right now — ego or spirit?
Is my will harmonized with the Father’s will, or am I resisting?
How can this decision reflect God’s oneness rather than my self-interest?
Summary
The struggle between ego and spirit is resolved through alignment of will with God’s will. This alignment creates inner unity, outward harmony, and living testimony that “The Lord thy God is One.”
Bible verses that connect with the lesson’s emphasis on aligning with God’s will.
Jesus in Gethsemane
“Not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
This is the clearest example. Jesus Himself shows that aligning with the Father’s will, even in suffering, is the essence of true obedience and unity with God.
Paul’s Exhortation
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Paul ties transformation directly to aligning with God’s will. Renewing the mind allows us to discern and live according to God’s purposes, not our own.
The Lord’s Prayer
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Jesus teaches His followers that prayer itself begins with surrender: bringing our thoughts, actions, and lives into harmony with God’s will.
Walking in Christ’s Example
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)
To align with God’s will is to live as Christ lived — in full obedience, love, and unity with the Father.
Summary:
The lesson’s call — “My life, my activities, my thoughts, my meditation, must be more and more in accord with the will of the Father” — is echoed in:
Luke 22:42 (Not my will, but Thine)
Romans 12:2 (Be transformed… know God’s will)
Matthew 6:10 (Thy will be done)
1 John 2:6 (Live as Jesus did)
Together, these verses reinforce that alignment with God’s will is the essence of spiritual life and the pathway to true oneness with Him.
5. Becoming More godlike
“Through such, does the individual… become more godlike, less of self, less of the carnal influence.” (262-40)
Meaning
This phrase describes the outcome of aligning with God’s will and awakening inner consciousness: the soul gradually reflects more of God’s character and less of self-centeredness.
More godlike = expressing love, compassion, truth, patience, forgiveness, and holiness.
Less of self = less ruled by pride, vanity, selfish desires, or ego-driven ambition.
Less of carnal influence = freedom from impulses rooted only in physical satisfaction or worldly gain.
The Spiritual Path
Becoming more Godlike is not instant — it is a process of growth. Each choice that aligns with God’s will over self strengthens the spirit’s expression. Over time, this transformation shows in our personality, speech, and actions.
It echoes Paul’s teaching:
“And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Why It Matters in the Lesson
The lesson “The Lord thy God is One” is about reflecting God’s unity. To be one with Him means becoming more like Him. As we decrease in self and carnal influence, God’s image increases in us — and we demonstrate that oneness in daily life.
Practical Application
Daily Choices: Ask, “Does this choice make me more godlike, or more self-serving?”
Spiritual Disciplines: Meditation, prayer, and service help weaken the grip of selfish or carnal desires.
Imitation of Christ: Study Jesus’ life as the pattern of godlikeness — one who lived fully surrendered to the Father.
Summary
Becoming more godlike means allowing God’s spirit to shine through us, while the ego and carnal desires fade into the background. It is the visible fruit of living the truth: “The Lord thy God is One.”
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