As we journey through life, we often find ourselves shaped by the world around us—our family, culture, education, and society. These influences teach us behaviors, beliefs, and ways of thinking that form the foundation of our human experience. Yet, beneath this acquired framework lies an innate spiritual awareness, a divine essence that remains untouched by worldly conditioning.
The Bible reminds us of this intrinsic connection to Spirit in Genesis 1:27: “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This verse points to the spiritual nature of our being, affirming that we are created as reflections of divine perfection. Unity teachings echo this truth, emphasizing that our true identity is spiritual, not merely human.
As children, we naturally express qualities of our spiritual essence—love, joy, curiosity, and wonder. However, as we grow, we begin to absorb the beliefs and behaviors of those around us. This process, while essential for navigating the world, can obscure our innate spiritual awareness. Jesus observed this phenomenon and offered guidance in Matthew 18:3: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
In Unity, this “becoming like little children” is not a call to regress but an invitation to rediscover our spiritual essence. It means peeling away the layers of learned fear, judgment, and limitation to reveal the pure consciousness of love and truth within us. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal is a process of aligning our thoughts and beliefs with spiritual truth. Unity principles teach that we have the power to choose our thoughts and that by doing so, we can transform our consciousness and, consequently, our lives.
Spiritual awareness invites us to question the beliefs we’ve inherited and examine whether they align with the truth of our divine nature. Are we operating from fear or love? Are we affirming lack or abundance? Are we perpetuating separation or unity? These questions help us discern what is learned and what is innate.
In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), Jesus illustrates the journey of forgetting and remembering. The son, who leaves his father’s house and squanders his inheritance, represents the soul that becomes lost in worldly pursuits. Yet, when he “comes to himself,” he remembers his true nature and returns home, where he is welcomed with open arms.
