Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima
Ideals are meant to be lived, not perfected. One of the most important things to understand—and to help others understand—is that an ideal is not a measure for self-judgment, but a direction for growth. People often abandon ideals because they believe that failing to meet them means they are unworthy. In truth, ideals exist precisely because growth happens gradually. An ideal is not something you live up to; it is something you grow toward.
Ideals work best when they are simple. When ideals become too complex or overly spiritualized, they are difficult to live with consistently. The most effective ideals are clear, short, and easy to remember—such as truth, kindness, courage, service, or balance. Encouraging someone to express an ideal in a single word or one short sentence makes it accessible in moments of stress or decision. A good rule of thumb is this: if you cannot remember your ideal in a difficult moment, it is probably too complicated.
It is also important to remember that one ideal at a time is enough. Trying to live by many ideals at once can feel overwhelming and discouraging. Growth is often faster and deeper when a person chooses one ideal and works with it consciously for a set period of time. Asking a simple daily question—“How does this ideal apply right now?”—keeps the ideal alive and practical rather than theoretical.
Ideals are powerful because they reveal inner conflict without condemnation. When an ideal brings up discomfort, frustration, or resistance, it does not mean the ideal is failing. More often, it means the ideal is doing its work by gently showing where growth is needed. Inner conflict is not a punishment; it is information. If an ideal makes someone uncomfortable, it is pointing toward an opportunity for growth.
Rather than limiting freedom, ideals actually strengthen free will. An ideal does not force behavior; it clarifies choice. Some people fear ideals because they sound restrictive, but in reality, an ideal expands freedom by helping people act consciously instead of automatically. An ideal does not control a person—it gives them a clear option when life becomes confusing.
Ideals must also be chosen, not inherited. They are most effective when freely selected, rather than adopted from family, religion, culture, or authority figures. Encouraging someone to ask, “Is this truly my ideal?” or “Would I still choose this if no one were watching?” helps establish ownership. Ownership is what gives an ideal real power in daily life.
Ideals function best as a daily check, not a lifetime judgment. They are meant to be applied to today, not used to label a person’s entire identity. Asking simple questions such as “How did I do today?” and “What can I adjust tomorrow?” keeps ideals practical, compassionate, and sustainable.
Another important role of ideals is that they connect inner life with outer action. Ideals bridge intention and behavior, helping align thought, emotion, action, and purpose. When someone feels scattered or disconnected, returning to their ideal often brings them back into alignment. An ideal is the place where who you are inside meets what you do outside.
Ideals also work even when beliefs differ. They do not require shared theology, philosophy, or worldview. Two people with very different beliefs can still live by the same ideal—such as honesty, compassion, or service. This makes ideals a powerful tool for helping and connecting with others across differences.
Above all, the most important thing to remember and share is this: an ideal is not something that judges you. It is something that walks with you. Understanding this removes fear, softens self-criticism, and opens the door to genuine and lasting growth.
What Is an Ideal?
An Ideal is a living inner standard that shapes direction, motivation, strength, and self-recognition. It is not abstract or distant; it is meant to be applied in daily thought, choice, and action.
1. The Ideal as a Guiding Pattern
An Ideal functions as a guiding pattern—like a beacon—especially when life presents limitations, confusion, or setbacks. Difficulties do not become permanent obstacles when the Ideal is chosen selflessly and aligned with what is right and good:
“These need not become stumbling-blocks if the ideal is chosen that is not for selfish motives; rather selfless, that the individuality may become more and more as the purposefulness in the living personality of Right, of Good…” (1494-1)
The Ideal gives direction because it reflects a deeper spiritual purpose rather than personal ambition. While teachers, symbols, and external guidance may help, the readings emphasize that the true source of guidance lies within the individual:
“Yet none of these may equal the abilities of the entity in itself, if the entity sets its ideals in the promises that are the entity’s.” (3685-1)
When the Ideal is spiritually grounded, it aligns mind, body, and soul toward a unified purpose. This alignment opens the way for deeper awareness and growth.
2. The Ideal as a Motivating Influence
An Ideal motivates growth by encouraging the individual to reach beyond present abilities. It provides the inner drive that shapes thoughts, intentions, and actions:
“Let the thought of the body (for Mind is the Builder)… ever be motivated by the spirit of truth that is of the constructive nature…” (1046-1)
True motivation is not rooted in personality, status, or recognition. Instead, it arises from a condition of consciousness formed by one’s Ideal:
“Not as a personality but a condition… that motivates through the mental forces of an individual…” (1158-6)
Because of this, self-examination is essential. Growth requires understanding what truly motivates one’s actions:
“Study to Know Thyself… what motivates self in this or that activity!” (1167-2)
When the Ideal is aligned with creative and spiritual forces rather than ego, it continually inspires progress and deeper self-knowledge.
3. The Ideal as a Supporting Energy
The Ideal also acts as a sustaining inner energy—something that strengthens and supports the individual from within. Real growth and understanding do not come from external answers but from inward seeking:
“The answers—of a real lasting nature—must come from within. And in the seeking is the putting forth of that energy… that makes for the growth.” (1125-1)
This inner energy reflects the presence of the Creative Force expressed through life itself:
“The manifestations of life… are the representation, the manifestation of the Infinite God.” (1158-14)
By holding the Ideal steadily, the individual remains connected to this sustaining source. The Ideal becomes a quiet strength that helps guide choices, encourages harmony, and supports spiritual development.
4. The Ideal as an Identifying Agent
An Ideal also serves as a standard by which one recognizes personal challenges and measures growth. It brings awareness and accountability to every thought, word, and action:
“Be sure… that they will be such as will be RECOGNIZED BY SELF… before self, before others, at home or abroad.” (1000-8)
What an individual accepts as an Ideal becomes the directing influence of the will:
“That as is as its own ideal becomes the guiding or directing spirit with the will of the entity…” (1192-5)
Even abilities or gifts must be understood through this lens—not claimed as personal power, but acknowledged as coming from a higher source:
“In recognizing, in idealizing its source,—and not crystallizing it in self.” (1743-2)
Through this process, the Ideal reveals areas of alignment and misalignment, helping the individual correct direction and grow in awareness.
Conclusion
Across the readings, the Ideal is shown to be:
a guiding pattern that keeps life aligned with Good,
a motivating influence that drives growth,
a supporting energy that sustains the soul from within,
and an identifying agent that reveals truth about the self.
Taken together, the Ideal is not abstract—it is a daily, living standard by which the soul measures thought, action, and purpose.
An Ideal is not merely something to believe in—it is something to live by.
It guides direction, motivates growth, provides inner strength, and reveals truth about the self.
When chosen consciously and held consistently, the Ideal becomes the foundation for purposeful living and spiritual development.
Seven Universal Ideals
1. Truth
To seek, speak, and live in honesty with oneself and others. Truth acts as an identifying agent, revealing where thoughts, words, or actions are misaligned and calling the individual back to integrity. Daily measure: Is this honest in thought, motive, and expression?
2. Goodness
To choose what nurtures life, growth, and well-being in oneself and others. Goodness serves as a guiding pattern, helping decisions align with what is constructive rather than harmful or selfish. Daily measure: Does this choice add something good to the world?
3. Growth
To continually reach beyond present limitations in understanding, character, and ability. Growth is a motivating influence, encouraging effort, learning, and perseverance even in difficulty. Daily measure: Am I becoming more than I was yesterday?
4. Compassion
To recognize the shared human experience and respond with care rather than judgment. Compassion becomes a supporting energy, softening inner struggle and strengthening connection with others. Daily measure: Am I responding with understanding rather than reaction?
5. Purpose
To live intentionally, allowing actions to be guided by meaning rather than impulse. Purpose integrates all aspects of the Ideal by directing energy toward what truly matters. Daily measure: Is this aligned with the deeper reason I am here?
6. Self-Mastery
To govern thoughts, emotions, and actions rather than being ruled by them. Self-mastery is both identifying and motivating, revealing inner conflicts while empowering disciplined growth. Daily measure: Am I choosing my response, or reacting unconsciously?
7. Service
To use one’s abilities, time, and insight for the benefit of others and the greater whole. Service transforms the Ideal into lived expression, grounding it in daily action. Daily measure: How can what I do today help beyond myself?
How to Use These Ideals
Choose one Ideal to focus on for a day or week.
Measure thought, word, and action against it.
Let the Ideal correct gently, not condemn.
Return to it whenever confusion or conflict arises.
Taken together, these ideals form a living standard—not abstract principles, but practical guides by which the soul can measure purpose, direction, and growth.
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