Living the Truth We Know: Bringing Unity's Fifth Principle to Life

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”— James 1:22

If you are like me, you, too, have experienced moments of profound spiritual insight—a meaningful morning meditation and prayer, an inspiring Sunday message, a life-changing book, or a quiet moment of recognized Inner Guidance when everything suddenly becomes clear. We leave feeling peaceful, centered, and connected to Divine. I am centered and ready to live frm the Truth I know and especially from my I AM, my Consciousness. And then…

The telephone rings; I turn on the news; a message or social media flashes across the screen of my cellphone; or I read an email;  and BOOM! That feeling of being grounded and living from Within, gets wobbly and not so firm as it felt previously. Now, I am ready to react from my human self. The Spiritual Truth I embraced a little earlier in the day becomes much harder to live.

This is where Unity’s Fifth Principle meets us all with both compassion and challenge:

Knowing Spiritual Truth is not enough. We are called to live it.

The Journey from Understanding to Expression

The Fifth Unity Principle is the natural culmination of the first four principles.

We affirm that God is Absolute Good. We recognize our divine nature. We understand that our thoughts help shape our experience. We practice prayer and meditation to align ourselves with God.

And now comes the very important question:

How will I live what I know?

Our spiritual path is not measured by how many books we’ve read or how many inspiring ideas we can discuss. It is reflected in the way we treat others, respond to challenges, and move through daily life. It is about living and modelling that which we truly believe.

Truth Is Meant to Be Lived

Whether we like it or not, every day, every experience,  presents countless opportunities for us to choose to express our highest understanding.

When frustration arises, will I choose patience?

When someone disagrees with me, will I choose respect?

When fear whispers, will I remember faith?

When life feels uncertain, will I trust Divine Order?

Living the Truth is not about perfection. It is about intention. Every choice becomes another opportunity to express the Christ within, to exercise our Response - ability. We have the chance, the obligation, to decide if our responses will be guided from Within or instead from outer circumstances; from our I AM, our oneness, or from human ego.

Four Ways We Live the Truth

At our September Spiritual Gathering, we will explore how spiritual understanding is expressed through four interconnected areas of our lives.

Our Words

Our words reveal what fills our hearts.

Do our conversations encourage or discourage? Do they build bridges or walls? Words have the power to heal, inspire, comfort, and bless.

As Charles Fillmore reminded us, words are vehicles of creative power. Speaking with kindness, gratitude, and faith becomes a spiritual practice in itself.

We can sometimes learn so much by just listening to what we are saying.

Our Beliefs

Sometimes our lives reveal beliefs we did not know we were holding.

We may verbally affirm abundance while living from scarcity.

We may believe in forgiveness while carrying old resentments against ourselves and others.

We may affirm everyone’s divinity yet struggle to recognize it in those who think differently from us. (Have you ever heard yourself saying not so kind words to the television after an elected official has spoken?)

The Fifth Principle gently invites us to bring our beliefs and our daily lives into greater harmony.

Our Thoughts

Every thought plants a seed. Thoughts of gratitude cultivate peace. Thoughts of judgment create separation. Thoughts of possibility open new doors.

When we become aware of our inner dialogue, we gain the freedom to choose thoughts that reflect the Truth we know. Sometimes, we need to do a bit of weeding so that the thoughts that are in alignment with Spirit, are not choked out by our human reactions.

Our Actions

The truth is that  spiritual understanding becomes visible through what we do.

Compassion becomes helping. Forgiveness becomes letting go. Faith becomes taking the next courageous step. Love becomes service.

Action is where spiritual principles become living realities – even if it is not easy to do.

A Gentle Invitation

I lovingly suggest that living the Truth does not require dramatic changes. It can begin with one loving response; one courageous decision; one compassionate word; one forgiving thought; one intentional action. Whatever it is, it must be in alignment with the Truth we say we know.

The wonderful reality is that, over time, these small expressions of Truth shape not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

Join Us for Our September Spiritual Gathering

This month, the Spiritual Café of the South Jersey Shore – Unity invites you to an evening of reflection, conversation, and inspiration as we explore what it means to live the Truth we already know.

Together, we will share and discover practical ways to bridge the gap between spiritual understanding and everyday living through inspiring ideas, guided meditation, meaningful conversations, and personal reflection. All of this from the divine within and the oneness between, us all.

Whether you are  new to Unity or have been on this or any or no spiritual path for many years, I truly believe that you will  leave encouraged to take one more faithful step toward living authentically from your highest self.

Spiritual Gathering

Living the Truth We Know

The Fifth Unity Principle in Everyday Life

Tuesday, September 1, 20266:00–7:30 p.m. EasternOnline via Zoom

Register at: unityofsjs.org

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Stephanie Bush Mann

All spiritual seekers are warmly welcome.

Knowing the Truth changes our minds. Living the Truth transforms our lives.