The Unimportance Of Work

TUES., JUNE 12, 1984, 5:15 AM
HAMAMOTO’S, MAKAI BEDR.

This is a strange title, o son, but still one I have chosen. In your culture work is considered very important (though generally for extrinsic reasons), and you make regular affirmations about the value of work. I have told you (and would again if the title of this meditation were somewhat different) that you are doing what I would have you to be doing and that you are even in the right place and should not con(tinue)sider retiring. But also, as you know, there is always another side to every true story. Hear this one.

Basically, work is unimportant in that it takes attention from Me and urges your concentration on non-spiritual matters. Spirit is what is important. Love is important. Faith and hope are important. In comparison with these, work is unimportant.

Now, I would not have each of you be a meditative monk, dedicated to a life of pure contemplation. Work, in a variety of forms, shall take much of your time and concentration. Today I still am saying that this is unimportant. You are an unimportant person, but I love you and guide you. You are to work and to do so with dedication, but you are also to know that it is unimportant.

You see, I am really challenging a way of thinking that you generally use and in which you believe. You do what you do because of importance… the important matters should be considered and dealt with first and quickly. Lists are important, you conclude, because then you shall not easily forget that which is important. But your lists, in actuality, only assign priority to unimportant matters, generally.

You reread a Teaching last evening that should have brought forth an item reading, “Write Mary, with love, compassion, and hope”. If you would do that (the actual writing) it would not be work, and it would be important.

Out of the mud grows the lotus. In this context that I use today the mud is unimportant and the lotus is. Out of work come important moments that would not have come otherwise. Isn’t the work important, then? Sorry. As I speak today, it is not. You are able to do important things, because capacities have been developed in work. Isn’t this important? Not truly.

Should you be doing unimportant things and dealing with unimportant matters? Now you are beginning to grasp the theme… yes, of course. Just do not assign importance to these matters that must be done. What I am emphasizing today is that the ethic of work, for all of its value, can keep you doing unimportant things, neglecting opportunities to do the truly important. Without the awareness that I urge today you can spend your life dedicated to matters unimportant, doing these well and faithfully, but, then, not having time for those of true importance.

You note (and have throughout) that I have not defined work, and this must be critical. I am using work to mean that which is done for pay, or out of obligation or necessity, and that which accomplishes certain tasks or goals. Work can be physical, or mental, even social… and most is some unique combination. And where is spirit? Spiritual matters are not work, and they are important. Your letter to Mary could be work… or it could be an expression of pure spirit. How close to this latter can you get?

Yes, I am saying that most of what you do shall be unimportant. It is only the person of rare developed spirit who be concerned only with important consideration and doings. You can remain dedicated to the job, even as it is unimportant. Then… be aware and appreciate those important moments that arise like jewels among the ordinary trinkets of life. Put aside the unimportant when the important is there. And as this happens you will find more and more important moments and opportunities, for they were “there all the time.”

This doesn’t give you a clear blueprint for living each day, particularly when the job for which you are paid is “in session”, and you are “working”. But it is guidance toward a balance more pleasing to Me… and which shall be more exciting and fulfilling for you. These times of Teaching are important. Keep this perspective.

Shalom
6:23 AM
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