Uncovering the Power Within through the Gospel of Thomas"
In the spiritual journey toward self-discovery and inner peace, few teachings hold the same deep resonance as those of Jesus. Among these profound insights is a powerful saying found in the Gospel of Thomas:
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not have that within you, what you do not have within you will kill you.”
At first glance, these words may seem cryptic, but with contemplation, they reveal a truth about the nature of inner transformation. Jesus’ message here is an invitation to tap into our deepest essence, to unlock the treasures hidden within, and to recognize that true salvation comes from bringing forth our authentic self. In the spirit of Stillness of Being, let’s explore the richness of this teaching and uncover how bringing forth our inner essence leads to liberation and fulfillment.
Bringing Forth What is Within
This saying from Jesus is a call to awaken to the innate power we all carry. The "within" here refers to the divine essence, the spark of the sacred that lies at the heart of each of us. In spiritual traditions, this essence is sometimes called the “inner light,” the “soul,” or the “divine spark.” It represents our truest self, untouched by the limitations, fears, or false beliefs imposed by the world.
To "bring forth" this essence means allowing our inner truth and wisdom to guide us, rather than being driven solely by external expectations or societal pressures. It’s about peeling back the layers of conditioning and letting our inner being shine forth. When we bring forth what is within us, we connect with a source of peace, clarity, and power that transcends the fleeting concerns of daily life.
Imagine a treasure hidden beneath layers of rock. Until we dig deep and bring it to the surface, its value remains untapped, unrecognized. Similarly, when we bring forth our inner potential, it can be a guiding light that saves us from confusion, despair, and the “death” of spiritual stagnation.
The Consequence of Not Bringing Forth the Inner Self
On the other hand, Jesus warns of a powerful consequence if we ignore or suppress our inner truth: “If you do not have that within you, what you do not have within you will kill you.” This is a stark reminder that the soul, if neglected, can wither. Failing to acknowledge and express our authentic self often leads to feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and even a sense of "spiritual death."
We see this in the lives of people who feel disconnected from themselves, who live according to others' expectations, or who silence their dreams and deepest desires. Over time, this disconnect leads to a kind of inner erosion—a loss of joy, energy, and meaning. Without bringing forth what is within us, we are left adrift, out of touch with our true purpose and divine nature.
When we don't honor this inner calling, life becomes a series of reactions, defenses, and distractions. We might find ourselves constantly searching for something “out there” to fill the void, yet nothing external can satisfy this deeper need for authenticity and self-expression.
The Spiritual Practice of Uncovering the Inner Self
The question arises, then: How do we bring forth what is within us? How do we connect to this sacred core and allow it to guide our lives?
Cultivate Stillness and Silence
In the rush of modern life, stillness is rare. To connect with our inner self, we must first create space for silence. Through meditation, prayer, or simply sitting quietly, we can turn inward, shedding the outer noise and tuning into our own inner voice. This is where the wisdom of "Stillness of Being" comes alive, as the quiet mind allows us to glimpse the depths of our soul.Practice Self-Inquiry
Self-inquiry is a practice rooted in asking fundamental questions like "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?" By asking these questions sincerely, we invite deeper insights and uncover layers of identity we may not have previously recognized. Over time, self-inquiry can bring us closer to our true self, revealing the beauty and wisdom that lie within.Follow the Heart’s Calling
Our heart often knows what the mind cannot understand. Bringing forth what is within us sometimes means listening to the quiet nudge of intuition or the persistent call of a passion we may have ignored. Our heart’s desires are clues, showing us the way to our most authentic self. When we follow these impulses, we unlock our creativity, joy, and a sense of purpose.Release Fear and Limiting Beliefs
Fear often keeps us from expressing our true nature. We fear judgment, failure, or even success, and so we hold back. But to bring forth what is within, we must be willing to confront these fears and release limiting beliefs. Practicing mindfulness, reframing negative thoughts, or working with a coach or mentor can help us move beyond these barriers, freeing us to live more authentically.Embrace Compassion and Self-Acceptance
Lastly, embracing our inner self requires a deep compassion for who we are, flaws and all. Bringing forth our inner self means accepting our unique journey, including the mistakes and imperfections along the way. As we practice self-compassion, we create a nurturing environment for growth and transformation.
Real-Life Example: Discovering and Expressing Inner Truth
Consider the journey of John, a client I once worked with. John was a successful professional but felt an inner emptiness that he couldn’t quite explain. Despite his achievements, he often felt restless, as though something essential was missing. When he started exploring his spiritual path, he realized he had ignored his deep love for art and creativity for most of his life, believing it wasn’t “practical” or “productive.”
Through our coaching sessions, John began to reconnect with this inner calling. He started dedicating time to painting, allowing his creative voice to emerge. At first, it was difficult for him to prioritize something that didn’t directly align with his career goals. But as he brought forth this creative passion, John experienced a profound shift in his energy. He felt more alive, more connected to himself, and even more effective in his professional life. By honoring what was within him, he found a sense of fulfillment that no amount of external success could provide.
John’s journey illustrates the power of bringing forth our inner essence. When we ignore or suppress our authentic self, we suffer. But when we allow it to emerge, we find healing, purpose, and vitality.
Living in the Light of Inner Truth
The words of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas serve as a timeless reminder that salvation is not something we seek outside ourselves but something we uncover within. By embracing our inner light, we find the courage to live authentically, cultivating a life that reflects our deepest values and highest potential.
In a world that often encourages us to look outward, to accumulate or achieve, these words challenge us to turn inward. The true treasure lies within, waiting to be discovered. When we bring forth what is within, we align with the divine and become vessels of love, compassion, and truth. This is the essence of Stillness of Being, where inner stillness reveals the beauty and wisdom that have been there all along.
Are you ready to bring forth the divine within you? Begin today by honoring your inner truth, exploring your passions, and cultivating stillness. Let this journey be one of gentle unfolding as you uncover the wholeness that lies within.
Fanus du Plooy, Spiritual and Empowerment Coach
📱 084 518 6780 🌐 fanusduplooycoaching.digitalflyer.co.za
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