“Strive always to be the best in your calling, whatever it may be, and let not your energy be consumed in the envy of another’s achievements. Strive always to improve your own abilities, so that you may
take your place among the masters of your craft.
“Seek not to take advantage of your competitor by any underhanded methods, but overcome his opposition only through your own superiority. Thus, even though you fail, nevertheless the blow will be softened by the retention of your honor.
“Success is good and desirable, but of itself, it plays little part in the development of the soul. It is the manner, in which success or failure is met that leaves its impress there.
“Consider carefully the causes of success in others; what they can attain is not beyond your reach. Be not one of those who marvel not when others remove mountains but consider it beyond themselves to carry a pebble.
“Diligence will always be duly rewarded by the wise master.”
-The Kolbrin Bible (MPR:23:14-18)
Improve Yourself
The quote suggests that we should strive to be the best in our chosen field, whatever that may be. That is both unrealistic and not beneficial, especially with goals that are not spiritual. Not everyone can be the best in an earthly profession, and trying to do so can lead to frustration and disappointment. In addition, it has us competing against each other when we accomplish much more by working together towards goals that benefit all. Instead of competing against others, we should strive to improve ourselves. When it comes to spiritual development, we want to continue to develop always, but we must each do so at our own pace and by helping others rather than competing with them.
Success is Good
The quote says success is good, but it doesn’t help develop the soul. That depends on what you are successful at. If your success is in spiritual growth and development, then it definitely helps the soul. Even earthly goals can benefit the soul if they are done with love and by always obeying the Law of God. The quote does say that it is the manner in which success or failure is met that leaves an impression on the soul, and that is true. If you realize that your success is not just because of your own efforts, but also because of your God given gifts, then you will have humility with your success, and that is good for the spirit. On the other hand, if you meet failure with anger, you harm your soul if you meet failure instead with the idea that you can succeed on another day, and don’t allow anger to take over, then your failure will not harm your spirit.
When Others Remove Mountains
Jesus said that with faith the size of a mustard seed, a person could command a mountain to move, and it would move. While that is true, it is also true that the contrary thoughts of others prevent us from doing such things. Eventually, some of us will become Spiritual Masters and will be able to perform such deeds, although literally causing a mountain to move seems pointless to me. But it is known in spiritual circles that highly developed spiritual people have been able to turn away tornadoes and block wild fires. As we change and become more spiritual, the world around us is also changing in the same direction. We will reach a point where we will all be able to work what is now considered miracles, because there will be no materialistic people to counter those events. So while you probably can’t move mountains now, you should always try to do your best in whatever you do.
