How can it be true spiritual growth?

First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear―or rendered into everyday phrase, first love your own kind, your family and friends, for those you know being of them and understanding in some sort the nature of which you partake. When the heart has grown enough to be able to receive a more unselfish love, there is the neighbour—anyone who needs you or your help. When this love has led from selfish desires into giving the life in service, you are in a manner prepared to touch the hem of His garment.

Not to understand, for the finite can never comprehend the Infinite, but to begin to love and adore.

Those who expect to rise from sensual life and earthly pleasures in one bound, attaining to the heights while their garments are defiled with the soil of mortal passions are but exhibiting their ignorance of the first principles of the gospel or good tidings.

We climb step by step the weary ascent. Our lower and baser attributes are under our feet as we mount. It is life crucifixion often, for one's selfhood is hard and cold and clings like the very life.

Every evil subdued, every low passion and energy cleansed and rededicated to the service of our brothers is a step upward and the loving thought that ascends brings help and strength that answering descends from the source of light. As in the wilderness, the angels ascended and then descended to the vision of the Patriarch.

So do we fare upward through clouds and darkness until we stand on the Mount of Vision and see the loving face of the Son of Man, Who is also the Son of God.

―An [Unknown] Spirit