EMMET FOX – THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
If you could only love enough, you could be the most powerful person in the world.”
― Emmet Fox
I can hear the groans. Some of you may be off put by the religious overtone of the title. Stay with me. This is a book about empowerment, what Fox identifies as the true teachings of Jesus and not the misinterpretation of most organized religion.
Probably a good time to say I’m not dismissing the impact of your church or its place in anyone’s life. Stick with what works for you. Remain loyal to the whole or any part of the doctrine you’re devoted to. But, do yourself a favor and take a look at this philosophy and the tools offered here. They have been life altering for me.
A word or two about the author. Emmet Fox was an early leader in New Thought. His talks during the depression in New York City drew upwards of 5,000 every week.
As a result of his friendship with Bill Wilson this book has become beloved amongst recovering alcoholics.Yes, of course, that’s exactly how I was exposed to this important work. His conclusions made great sense to me.
For years, according to Fox, biblical scholars have misinterpreted the teachings of Jesus. The power he spoke of and displayed is available to all of us. There is no vengeful God, no manlike creature or Daddy in the clouds that watches over us and punishes our evils. There is instead a scientific principle based on the concept that we are all powerful, with equal access to the same source of power and that we are born with all the tools we need to create a life that is joyous, productive and loving.
And Jesus said it first. “As a man thinketh in his heart…” In other words our thoughts become things and that what we dwell on we create. What Fox stresses that I find most comforting and somehow have always believed … in spite of the magnitude of the problems the world is facing is … is notated below.
“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer;
No disease that enough love will not heal;
No door that enough love will not open;
No gulf that enough love will not bridge;
No wall that enough love will not throw down;
No sin that enough love will not redeem. . .
It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake–a sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. . . if only you could love enough, you would be the happiest and most powerful being in the world.”
These words spoke directly to that “Jiminy Cricket” portion of my soul that needed it most. It has served me best when I practice what he calls “The Golden Key’. To see God where a problem is .. To focus on the positive thought that a loving presence can heal any wound and to avoid returning to negative thoughts at all cost
Not easy to do. But, for me this practice has been remarkably effective. So, forgive me for reaching into the distant past when there are so many wonderful new books to choose from. This was a lovely opportunity to share something especially meaningful to me and to offer tools for happiness that I know work.
Blessings and thanks, Paul
Paul Williams is a singer, songwriter, actor, recovery advocate and has been a fixture on the American cultural scene since the seventies. His book Gratitude and Trust is now available.