Sharing for peace
by the Master –, through Benjamin Creme

When a man shares he grows. Little attention has been given until now to this simple truth. For many, sharing comes naturally, as a matter of course. For others, however, the concept is alien and fraught with suspicion and pain. To these, what is theirs is theirs, almost by divine right, while to share is foreign and absurd. How then can the world move in the direction of sharing and redistribution, prerequisites for world peace?

Wherever men look today they see the results of their inability to share. Across the planet, millions starve and die. Countless others survive in misery and hopeless poverty, condemned to suffer from birth to early grave.

Change will come when men comprehend the reasons for their presence on Earth; when they realize that they are part of a vast evolutionary experiment whose purpose is hidden, to all but a few. When they recognize themselves as souls, parts of the One Oversoul, and grasp the identity of each with the other; when men understand that sharing is the natural order, that selfishness and greed are deviants from the norm, when to share is seen as an opportunity to grow, then will men embrace sharing as an end to their sorrows and their separation.

That time is now upon us. The pressures of inner forces and outer events are making themselves felt on a world-wide scale and are causing a re-assessment of man's position and prospects. No longer is it certain that the planet can sustain life indefinitely, subject to its ruthless exploitation by man. Nuclear annihilation is an ever-present threat, while economic competition and financial disarray pose problems which afflict the daily lives of countless millions.

Not for nothing is it now a commonplace for nations to meet to discuss these problems. Such meetings are a sign that man is becoming aware of his responsibilities as steward of the planet, and is ready to make decisions to improve his situation. Foremost among these decisions must be the readiness to share. When the world's goods are shared more equitably, half of man's problems will vanish overnight. Already, there are indications that many realize this, and the call for sharing is rising on every hand. The wise foresee the need for sharing as the only basis of lasting peace, and the heroes of the young lend, too their popular voice.

This augurs well for the future, for it shows that mankind is at last aware of the choice before it ---to share or die --- and is ready to act in the spirit of brotherhood and love. No longer are men content to leave their destiny in the hands of others --- to governments formed of blind and aging men --- but see the need for direct participation to safeguard their future and their world.

Many still are fearful, but the light of the New Time grows brighter by the hour. Many await the dawn of a new age with hope and anticipation, aware of the opportunity to serve and grow. They know that they stand not alone but surrounded by others who share their vision and likewise long for brotherhood and peace.

Through sharing alone will that vision be realized. Through sharing alone will that peace be won. That is the message for the present time: share and grow into the reflection of divinity. Share and inaugurate the era of peace and love.

From the October 1985 issue of Share International