It is because they believe that the integrity and accomplishments of the great avatars, especially Jesus, are the standards of behavior which are possible for every person. The beliefs generally reflect that Jesus’ example was given us because it is the potential of anyone who desires to emulate it. But for the very reason that such a high precedent exists, there should be little interest in trying to copy the example of the morality of any group that urges others to fit their standards. This includes setting aside “trying to be perfect.” Opening up to guidance from a deep place within the Spirit-Self allows a high integrity to evolve each person. All of us are on our way toward expressing high ethics in all we do; but wherever we are at present in achieving that is all right, even if we are not close to these high standards. Therefore, all pressure should be taken off individuals to try to be good. Emphasis is on allowing Divine Mind to transform the self into a high excellence of character. In New Thought, guilt and self-rejection are avoided. The bottom line is this: Divine Mind has made us so that we will manifest perfect lives. It is an experience of being evolved by Spirit; our responsibility is to cooperate with our spiritual nature, and then we will over time (lifetimes) fully manifest God’s design for us. Inasmuch as the New Thought philosophy promises to liberate people from false thinking and unauthentic experiences, its true followers have no interest in being immoral or unethical. However, we make it similarly important not to avoid nonconformist behavior simply because someone else says we should or must. Our reasoning is that we desire to comply with our individual nature rather than conform to other people’s opinions. It is not natural or normal to be unvirtuous. Living virtuously is the most natural thing to do, yet many people find it difficult. Why? In New Thought, we say it is because people generally pursue virtue as a way to conform to the opinions or pressures of others. Insofar as we choose to be virtuous because we desire to be true to ourselves, we do so easily. When it seems difficult, it is because we are acting out of duty and a desire to conform. To conform to others is to become false to the self. This is because the only place we can truly meet God is in our own thoughts. And if we conform to the thinking of others, no matter who they are, we cannot be transformed enough through our own thinking to express fully the individuality inherent in the persons we were made to be. It is just as important for each person to feel good about the self as it is to live virtuously. Finally, it becomes clear that to feel good about the self and to live with virtue is the same thing. It is simply the natural thing to do. We need not continue in anxiety for long even if we have seemingly uncontrollable urges. The answer lies within our natural goodness. When we feel upset, guilty, judgmental or disturbed, it is because we are trying to act like others want us to or because we are thinking that no truth exists. We need liberation, and we can have it. When it comes to us, we actually feel good about doing what is right for everyone and ourselves. But what about people who have sexual orientations that are clearly different than those of the majority? Should we think about them with judgment because they may be bisexual or homosexual? And how should they feel about themselves? There is one clear answer to all of this. It is to be a conformist to no one and wholly true to the self. When this becomes our confidence and we believe this, we will eventually become true to ourselves. Remember that all of us need correction. For all of us, better morality results simply as we cease being judges of others. Also, for all of us, our greatest difficulty stems from judging ourselves. We need to decide that our deepest innermost idea, of how to give ourselves to life’s causes, is our foremost interest now. We need to do this because delaying this desire builds neurotic behavior in us that increasingly makes our “gifts of life” more hidden to our awarenesses. We can be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” and “prove that good” right now! New Thought wants you to know that your innermost urges toward self-expression are your awareness of Divine Mind’s Oneness with you. Relax, and allow yourself continually to give Its presence your attention. Any immorality will naturally fall away. The truth of who you are will take its place. Neurotic complexes and conflicts will subside. You only need to have the idea that you are Good just as you are, and that whatever further goodness you need to express will emerge from within you, as you let yourself simply be who you are. And who are you? You are first and foremost God’s child. You are DIVINE!
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