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READING 165-21
In giving that as might be helpful to this body in the present experience, the present environments, as we find, the entity should look upon those experiences - through which the entity has passed in many of the mental and the material aspects - rather as a growth of opportunity. And while these would not be in the future as builded upon the ashes of failures, those experiences in the past should be rather as stepping-stones for the future associations in this material plane.
As is known by the entity, as is the portion of the entity's own inner self, as one sows so shall one reap. It is not sufficient, however, for any to live by mere trite sayings or to announce to be tolerant or to be patient or to be any of those attributes of the spiritual forces that may manifest themselves through the activities of an entity. Rather must there be little by little, here a line, there a line, the LIVING, the MANIFESTING, of all of these attributes in the experiences of an individual. For as it is meted to those of the fellow man, so will the returns come in the experience of the entity in its associations in the new activities or in those that are a portion of the entity's experience in the present.
For it is not by might nor by power, not by that which may be used to enable one through fame or fortune - or through even the associations of the past - to become as a power, but that which is LIVED, expressed, given to others as a helpful, hopeful influence in their experience day by day. Thus applying self in the experiences in the present may we find that coming into the experience of the entity which, in body, in mind, may give the greater expression of development for self, for those that are in the material world dependent upon the activities of the entity. So may the entity make for itself that advancement.
For as has been given oft, "As ye do it unto these, the least of these my children, ye do it unto me." He, the Father-God, is not mocked; whatsoever is sown in righteous spirit, whatsoever is thought and done becomes a portion of the experience for the development of any individual, any soul. It is not those that cry, "Lord, Lord," only; but those in their dealings with their fellow man. As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
In this age, in this period when there are the doubts, the fears, those seekings for expression in all the many and varied ways, it will be found to keep the balance; that it has ever kept the balance in the activity of an individual, and it may keep the balance in this entity's activities in the present for making the greater advancement, for making of a sureness of self in its daily efforts. While the activities that come about in a general association may be very much in line with those influences that have been given in all the beauties of a life, an experience of service to the fellow man, in the INDIVIDUAL it must become as an individual and as a personal or definite service done day by day. For we grow in grace, in knowledge, in understanding FROM WITHIN. And even though there are the words of the mouth, even the activities of the body, if they are done, if they are MEDITATED upon to be seen, to be feeling, to be making only an outward show, these must eventually come to naught. For the KINGDOM is within. Contentment, peace, harmony, glory, love, beauty, is from WITHIN; and is as a growth that makes for that activity, that expression, that which will bring the growth, the understanding, the environments, the necessary influences. For with all the labors, the efforts, with all the application of beauty, of strength, of power, of might, ONLY God may give the increase.
Then, let thy purpose be, let thy prayer, thy meditation, be more and more, "I am Thine, O Lord; use Thou me more and more as a channel of blessing to my fellow man; in THY way, O Lord, NOT my way!"
READING 165-21 EXPLAINED
This reading is a clear teaching about soul development through daily application, not through ideas alone. The central message is that the soul grows when spiritual principles are lived in ordinary relationships and actions, not merely believed, spoken, or admired. The reading explains that life’s past experiences—including failures—are not meant to define the soul negatively. Instead, they are opportunities for growth that become stepping-stones for future development.
The reading begins by telling the individual to look at past experiences differently. Many people see past mistakes or disappointments as proof of failure. Cayce says the opposite: those experiences should be viewed as growth opportunities. They are not ashes from which nothing can grow; they are stones that help the soul step forward into new understanding. In soul development, the past becomes useful when it is used as wisdom for better action in the present.
The reading then introduces the spiritual law often summarized as “as you sow, so shall you reap.” This means that every thought, attitude, and action plants something in the soul’s experience. However, Cayce emphasizes that simply repeating spiritual sayings or ideas is not enough. Many people talk about patience, tolerance, love, or forgiveness, but the soul grows only when these qualities are lived consistently in real situations. The reading describes this growth as happening “little by little, here a line, there a line.” This means spiritual character is not built in dramatic moments but through steady daily practice.
Another important idea in the reading is that spiritual influence is not created through power, fame, authority, or external success. The world often measures importance through position, wealth, or recognition, but Cayce explains that real spiritual development comes from what is lived and expressed toward others. When a person offers encouragement, kindness, patience, or help to others, these actions strengthen the soul. Each act becomes part of the soul’s development.
The reading reinforces this idea with the teaching attributed to Christ: “As you do it unto the least of these, you do it unto me.” This means that how a person treats ordinary people in daily life reveals their real spiritual condition. Spiritual growth does not come from dramatic religious declarations such as saying “Lord, Lord,” but from how a person behaves in everyday relationships. The law is simple: treat others in the way you would want to be treated.
The reading also speaks about balance. In a world filled with doubts, fears, and many different philosophies, the soul must learn to keep inner balance. Balance means maintaining sincerity, kindness, and clarity even when external circumstances are confusing. This balance allows a person to continue growing spiritually while still functioning in ordinary life responsibilities.
Another important teaching is that service must become personal and practical. It is not enough to support the idea of helping humanity in a general way. Real soul development happens when a person performs specific acts of service in daily life—helping a colleague, supporting family members, encouraging someone who is struggling, or acting honestly in business. Spiritual growth therefore becomes something lived in small but real interactions with others.
The reading also explains that spiritual development happens from within. A person may speak beautiful words or perform outwardly religious actions, but if these are done only to appear spiritual, they eventually lose their value. The inner intention matters. If actions are performed only for appearance or recognition, they become empty. But when they come from sincere inner motivation, they contribute to real soul growth.
Cayce then explains that qualities such as peace, harmony, love, beauty, and contentment arise from the inner life of the soul. These are not created by external circumstances. Instead, they grow gradually within a person who aligns their intentions with the divine spirit. As these qualities grow internally, they begin to influence the person’s environment, relationships, and opportunities.
The reading also gives an important reminder about the limits of human effort. People can work, strive, plan, and apply themselves with strength and determination. Yet ultimately the deeper growth of the soul comes from God. Human effort prepares the soil, but divine influence brings the increase. This perspective prevents pride and keeps the individual humble while continuing to act responsibly.
The reading concludes with a powerful spiritual attitude for soul development. The individual is encouraged to adopt a prayerful intention that says: “I am Thine, O Lord; use me as a channel of blessing to others.” This expresses the highest form of application. Instead of trying to control life according to personal ambition, the soul offers itself as an instrument through which goodness can flow into the world.
In summary, the reading teaches that soul development occurs through practical application of spiritual principles in daily life. Past experiences become lessons rather than failures. Character is built gradually through repeated actions of kindness and integrity. Spirituality is measured not by words or reputation but by how a person treats others. True growth arises from within, and when the soul sincerely aligns itself with divine purpose, its life becomes a channel through which love, service, and understanding flow into the world.
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