IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." - Paul (II Corinthians 5:10) 

There are some who undoubtedly perceive Spiritism as a simple phenomenon of little moral significance to mankind.

Thus, many students of this Consoling Doctrine limit themselves to laboratory investigators or philosophical discussions.

Notwithstanding, it is imperative that we recognize there are as many categories of discarnates as there are of incarnates.

Spirits that are argumentative, frivolous, rebellious and unstable are everywhere. Beyond these, other enigmas and problems appear to the inhabitants of both planes.

For similar reasons, the supporters of effective progress of the world, far from physical life, advocate Spiritism with Jesus converting the interchange in a factor of spiritual purification.

We feel that we should not criticize other circles of life, if we are not interested in improving our personality in the one in which we live.

It is of little value to search for resources that do not dignify us.

So for us, who supposedly have our hearts open to the responsabilities of living, Spiritism does not express just a simple conviction of immortality: it is a climate of service and edification.

It is of no use simply to have conviction of the survival of the soul after death, without prior preparation for spiritual life while we are on Earth. In that effort toward rehabilitation there is no wiser and more loving guide than Christ.

Only in the light of His sublime lessons it is possible to re-adjust our path, renovate our mind and purify our heart.

Not everything that is admirable is divine.

Not all that is grand is responsible.

Not all that is beautiful is saintly.

Not all that is agreeable is useful.

The problem is not only to have the knowledge, but it is for each to reform oneself toward righteouness.

So let us adapt ourselves to the Gospel in feeling and in life, being mindful of our indispensable inner illumination because according to the opportune and wise words of the Apostle, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

Excerpted from the Preface to "Our Daily Bread" - Chico Xavier (by the Spirit Emmanuel)