A Spiritual Perspective on Ebenezer Scrooge

It always amuses us when we hear people say, “You’re an old Scrooge!” to someone who is being real negative about the holiday spirit. People who use that phrase are just proving they don’t know the whole story! In reality, if you read the entire story, to call someone a Scrooge would mean he/she is a person who truly embraces the ultimate meaning of Christmas! That’s what Scrooge did, after his ghostly visits!

So, from a spiritual perspective, let’s do a little imagining: what would Jesus say to old Ebenezer, if the two of them could have a conversation?

You know, we think He’d focus on the change Ebenezer made,  rather than bring up his poor choices of the past. The discussion might say something like this:

“Way to go, Ebenezer! You finally got it! You remembered the Truth of who you really are! You are letting your light shine! I am so proud of you, because I know it was tough to make the change. But you did it! If only people could release the ghosts of their past, present, and future, they would be amazed at the joy that would surge through their very being, and they would astound themselves at what they could accomplish! Thank you, Ebenezer, for letting your light shine!”

So what is Jesus saying to that “Ebenezer Scrooge” quality within each of us? Just as Ebenezer Scrooge had to come face to face with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, so must we make a decision to acknowledge the ghosts we are allowing to hold us back from all we are meant to be. We invite you to take a few moments to reflect on any ghosts you would like to release as you prepare to end this year, and move into a new one. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Ghosts of the Past: Like Marley’s chains, ghosts of our past can tie us down, imprison us, and keep us from moving ahead. For example: blaming others in our past for problems we are experiencing now, like the way our parents raised us; nursing a hurt by a friend or family member; regretting a missed opportunity; feeling anger about a job unfairly lost; experiencing regrets for things left undone or unsaid (or maybe for things that were done or said); holding grudges tightly in our consciousness and our heart. The list could go on and on. What is it you keep reliving from your past? Every time you relive it, it imprints the negative emotions and impact on your very soul. These are ghosts of the past. Let them go!

Ghosts of the Present: These are the things affecting us right now: Negative beliefs about ourselves ~ like “I’m not good enough;” “I can’t do that;” “I’m too …” syndrome (too old, too young, too poor, too dumb, too tired, too out of shape); resentment about health-related issues that hold us back; relationship issues we are dealing with now; lack consciousness ~ the lack of confidence in our ability; the lack of faith in the principles we KNOW work. When we give power to these error thoughts, we hold ourselves back from the splendor of what we can experience! These are all ghosts of the presents! Let them go!

Ghosts of Future: These are the fears and worries about what might happen. You may know that familiar quote: “Most of the things I worry about never happened.” And yet, we waste so much energy worrying about these things. Jesus told us, “Give no thought for tomorrow, what you will eat, or drink, or what clothing you will wear. … for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  (Matt. 6:31-34)

What are the worries, fears, or erroneous beliefs about the future that are playing havoc with your present, keeping you from enjoying this moment today? They are ghosts of the future. Let them go!

It is so important to release, clear out, and make room for our greater good … for our life abundant. Here’s a vivid example: Breathe in all the air you can. Now hold that breath, and breathe in more air. Having trouble? Even though there is plenty of air all around you, you can’t take in any more until you exhale! That’s a perfect metaphor for our Spiritual journey. So – what in your life are you ready to release — forever — as you move toward your spiritual evolvement? You can have a transformation every bit as powerful as Ebenezer Scrooge experienced, when you recognize the ghosts of your past, present, and future … and let them go! That’s how you walk the spiritual path on practical feet!

About the Authors: Combine a flair for the dramatic, a deep understanding of metaphysics combined with the teachings of Jesus, and a zest for ministry, and you have defined Revs. Bil & Cher Holton, the dynamic duo who serve as co-ministers for Unity Spiritual Life Center, Durham, NC. They are prolific authors, and share their metaphysical and spiritual principles through their website: http://www.TheMetaphysicalWebsite.com

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