It’s Time to Play the Game

“It’s time to play the game… It’s all about the game and how you play it. All about control and if you can take it. All about your debt and if you can pay it. It’s all about pain and who’s gonna make it. I am the game and you don’t wanna play me.”

-Lemmy (Motorhead)

The world is fundamentally made from Chaos and Order, the Unknown and the Known, the Dark and the Light, and most importantly it is made of you. 

So here you are, navigating a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion are constantly shifting. But what if I told you that this search for truth, for meaning, and for clarity, is not a random journey, but one that’s deeply embedded in the fabric of existence itself? The Gnostics knew this. They knew that true knowledge wasn’t something you could simply learn from the outside, but something that needed to be remembered, unearthed from within. It’s not knowledge in the traditional sense of facts or history, it’s Gnosis—a deep, experiential, and often ineffable knowing.

Gnosis is not just learning. It is awakening. It is the understanding that what we see, hear, touch, and taste is a mere reflection of the deeper truths that lie beyond the veil of our senses. It’s the realization that the universe is far more intricate and mysterious than the mind can comprehend. Gnosis is the knowing that you are more than your body, more than your thoughts, more than your fears. You are an eternal essence wrapped in flesh, navigating a world beyond your comprehension. 

But knowing is only half the journey. The Gnostics also spoke of Sophia, the embodiment of divine wisdom. Sophia isn’t just about intellect or reasoning, nor is it merely about abstract concepts. It is the sacred knowledge of the heart. Sophia is what illuminates the soul, guides us beyond the traps of the ego, and leads us toward the ultimate truth. But here’s the kicker—Sophia isn’t always easy to access. In fact, she’s elusive, often hidden in the chaos and confusion of life. But those who truly seek her, with open hearts and minds, find themselves drawn closer to the sacred mysteries.

You see, Gnosis and Sophia are partners, like two forces pulling you toward enlightenment. Gnosis is the fire that sparks the journey, but it’s Sophia’s wisdom that sustains you when the flames seem too much to bear. While Gnosis might open your eyes to the truth, Sophia helps you live that truth, with patience, compassion, and understanding.

To truly live is to align yourself with Sophia, the wisdom that resides within your soul, and with Gnosis, the knowledge that transcends time and space. You see, you might think you’re lost, adrift in the sea of confusion and doubt, but the reality is, you’ve always been on a path. It's just that the path isn’t always linear, and often, it’s obscured by layers of illusion and harsh reality. 

You may feel pain, frustration, and loneliness. These are not signs that the universe is against you. Rather, they are the reflections of your inner state—the darkness that contrasts with your light. To gain Gnosis, you must confront the darkness within. To receive Sophia’s wisdom, you must allow her to guide you through the unknown, to show you how to see beauty even in the struggle.

The key, then, is not to seek out the answers in the external world, but to turn inward. Know yourself. Know that the answers have always been with you. In moments of stillness, of contemplation, you’ll begin to uncover them. You may not find certainty, but you will find peace in the uncertainty. You’ll realize that life isn’t about being handed the perfect answers, it’s about learning how to ask the right questions—and to embrace the questions themselves.

The Gnostics understood this. They knew that by seeking truth with sincerity and embracing the wisdom that lies beyond the surface of things, we could transcend the limitations of the material world and touch something far greater. They understood that life itself is the journey—and the destination—of awakening.

So, you’re not lost, not truly. You are exactly where you need to be. Every step you take, no matter how uncertain, is part of the unfolding of your soul. Embrace it. Pursue what moves you. Confront what frightens you. And as you walk this path, remember this: the game isn’t rigged against you. You just need to know how to play. The universe is unfolding according to a hidden wisdom, a wisdom that whispers to your heart, if you’re willing to listen.

Gnosis is the key to unlocking that wisdom, and Sophia is the guide that will help you navigate through the labyrinth of existence. They are not distant, otherworldly ideals—they are within you, waiting to be awakened. All you need to do is seek, with an open heart, and you’ll find that life, in all its complexity and beauty, is worth living.

You may think this whole life thing isn’t even worth it. Well I’m here to tell you IT IS worth it. The unfortunate thing is no one asked you if you wanted to be born. But life is a gift. I suppose that’s why we give each other gifts on our birthdays, in order to remind ourselves of that fact. 

I implore you to take this chance you have with life and run with it. No one is going to live your life for you. 

There are things that interest you. Pursue them.

There are things that bother you. Fix them. 

It’s time to play the game.

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 70)

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”

-C.S Lewis

The Force

Within all of us is The Force. The Force is a tricky thing to grasp a hold of. Perhaps it's best not to grasp it at all. It is simultaneously light and dark, good and evil, knowing and ignorant, masculine and feminine, chaos and order. The Force is many things. And The Force is You. The Force is what drives us forward and it is also what holds us back. It inspires our movements and blocks our path. But what is our path? 

Many people ask themselves: what is the meaning of life? Why are we here? What is the true nature of existence? What is my destiny? Why is life full of evil and strife? What is the meaning of everything? What is my purpose? Is there anything truly good?

These are dumb questions with stupid existential answers.

What is the meaning of life? To live.

Why are we here? Because we are.

What is the true nature of existence? Continued survival or a way of living.

What is my destiny? To journey to a destination. 

Why is life full of evil and strife? Because it is.

What is the meaning of everything? Dumb question. Ask something specific. 

What is my purpose? Better question but still dumb. I don’t know; only you do.

The last question, however, is a decent question. I’d argue there certainly are things that are truly good and filled with the purity of life. The original Star Wars trilogy, written by George Lucas, is the first one that comes to mind. Jesus Christ is a Christ is a close second (He is subordinate to God the Father after all). And the last one I can think of is the Tao te Ching by Lao Tsu. 

Star Wars is a movie from 1977 A.D, yet people still talk about it. 

Jesus Christ is a man from over 2000 years ago, yet His words echo in eternity.

Lao Tsu’s Tao te Ching was written 400 years before Christ and yet his work inspired Star Wars 2400 years later. 

What do they all have in common? They have stood the test of time. Good things last. Personally, it does not matter how you feel about George Lucas’ space wizards, or “the messiah,” or the Tao. Your feelings are just that: feelings. Objectively, these three things are acclaimed by many different people across the globe. All for different reasons and yet simultaneously for the same reason: because they are good.

The Truth is people know what is Good and what is Evil. Some of us are willfully blind to it. Others cannot cognitively articulate it, but they know it intuitively. 

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “there is an old illusion. It is called Good and Evil.”

This is dumb. You may disagree with me on this. I would suggest you rethink this notion.

Friedrich Nietzsche was smart. He said many smart things. But he was human, so he also said many grossly incorrect things. Nietzsche believed God was dead and that man could invent his own morality. Morals are self-evident. To think otherwise is vain egotism. The idea that morals are somehow relative is unwise. Relativism is for the egotists. Relativism is for people so drunk on thought that they have forgotten how to do things properly.

Nietszche died in denial of The Force. He also inadvertently created the Nazi Party. Although it wasn’t much of a party. It more like a cult that promoted systematic genocide. Oh well, too late to undo Nietszche’s “superman” idea.  

In the Book of Proverbs, it is written, “The hearing ear and the seeing eye,

The Lord has made them both.” Think about that. What does it mean?

Blind people can see Truth. 

Deaf people can hear Truth. 

Truth, Love, and Beauty are all real tangible Good things. Surely, you can see and hear that, but only if you watch closely and listen intently. 

I have a commandment for you. Stop being an existentialist. Start existing. 

There are things in your life you are ignoring. Tend to them. The Force believes in you. 

Flowing through all things, there is a balance. 

There is no Peace, without a Passion to create.

There is no Passion without Peace to guide. 

Knowledge stagnates without the Strength to act.

Power blinds without the Serenity to see.

There is Freedom in Life.

There is Purpose in Death.

The Force is all things.

And I am The Force.

Now esoteric ideas, like the ones I’ve expressed, are fun to toy around with. However, they aren’t very practical. It is much easier to speak like you know it all without actually knowing a damn thing. It is much easier to feign goodness than to act out the Good. 

The easy path is tempting and “comfortable.”

The difficult path is rife with truth, uncertainty, and struggle. 

The Day Will Come You Won’t Be

In AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, there are two lines in season one that always stuck out to me. The main character, Rick Grimes, after being released from near condemnation and death from a scientist says “I’m grateful.” And the scientist’s solemn response is “The day will come when you won’t be.”

The Gratitude Attitude is a very difficult mindset to cultivate. There is so much in our modern world to distract us. These distractions rip away any sense of fulfillment or security we had. There’s always someone with something better. There’s always something to take away our peace.

Like any skill, gratitude requires constant arduous repetition. There are some days when it comes as naturally as walking. Other days require you to consistently remind your Self of the good things. We often love to ignore the good things. This is because the good things oppose our nature as animals. Animals don’t worry about the good things. Animals don’t worry about the bad things. Animals just are. They do what they set out to do: to survive, to thrive, to live. And like all things, they have to accept their demise when it arrives.

Our goal as humans should be the same thing. We just have a lot more work to do than the animals of our world. It would be nice to be a bird or a fish. But you are a man or a woman. And you as an individual come with your own personal set of difficult responsibilities. But you have to stick to the plan. Focus on your goals. Keep consistent with your good habits. Stay humble and be grateful. But the day will come when you won’t be.

You can’t be perfect. So don’t strive for perfection. Just aim up. Try to make a tomorrow a better place then today. If you can’t do that, figure out a way. It is your duty to be the best version of yourself. And the best version of yourself is grateful, humble, generous, patient, kind, strong, and diligent.

Perhaps you think are none of these things. Perhaps you think you are nothing. Worth nothing. Useless. Maybe you think pain and suffering is all you feel. You might think, “I hate everything and feel ungrateful.” Do not dismay, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

And if you truly only see and feel the negative. If you truly are ungrateful. I’ll only tell you this: THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU WON’T BE.

A Time Will Come

A time will come when you are chosen to do something significant. You may not want to embrace it at first. You might take every opportunity to flee from your responsibility, but it will find you. You cannot escape the inevitable. Right now, you may not know what your calling is, but that is often because you hesitate to answer it. It’s there, hidden between everything you adore and despise.

Look closely at what captures your attention. Ask yourself: What draws me to this? What do I want to do with it?

If you feel completely disillusioned with life, perhaps you see nothing that interests you. That’s okay; it may simply mean you’re asleep. But how do you wake up? Start by embracing honesty—first with yourself, then with others. Acknowledge that you may feel lost. It’s a miracle that you can even read these words. How can we begin to know our purpose? We know through faith.

When you remember something, you trust your mind. You have faith in your Logos. The Word is God. Our ability to communicate is a unique gift that sets humanity apart. It would be a shame to let that gift go to waste. If you feel you don’t express yourself well, commit to learning how.

Alternatively, you might know your purpose but resist it because you feel unworthy. You might be content in your sense of inadequacy. This is a far more challenging situation. Can you convince yourself of your worthiness? No, because in truth, you aren’t worthy of anything—not even the purpose for which you were created. Yet, you still have to act. So do it.

What have you been chosen to do? Discover that, and once you do, refrain from evil. Resist distractions.

If you’re skeptical about God, I encourage you to consider this: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

If you believe there’s no divine plan for you, you will find none. The plans you create of your own volition will lack a solid foundation. You need to realize you are rooted in something greater than everything.

Allow the spirit of curiosity to guide you toward your life’s calling. Remember, I’m just one person writing a blog. Don’t trust me blindly; trust your instincts and interests. There, you may discover God. And then you may believe in Him.

“I do not need to believe. I know.” - Carl Jung

Ramblings about living in Christ Jesus.

It all begins when Christ calls us to consciousness, when the Father bring us back to our true Self, a concept deeply resonant with Gnostic teachings. In Gnosticism, the Self is seen as a divine spark or fragment of the Pleroma, the fullness of the divine, you being a part of God. What does this mean in practical terms? I’m still uncovering that mystery. However, what I do know is that Christ Jesus invites us into an adventure of a lifetime. He beckons us to pursue a path that often runs contrary to our natural instincts and worldly understanding.

As human beings, we might believe that resisting evil is an act of justice, and sometimes it can be. Yet, Jesus calls us to a vision that is even grander. He challenges us not only to set aside anger towards our fellow humans but also to pray for those who persecute us. He calls us to extend love even to those who hate us. In order to connect with the divine essence within, we must resist the evil Force inside of us. We must transcend our material attachments and ego and integrate the dark side. This is no easy feat. But what good can we truly accomplish if we only forgive those whom we already love? What grace is there if we do not extend love to those who sow evil? Imagine the peace you could achieve by forgiving everyone who has ever wronged you. Imagine the suffering that could be alleviated by ending the cycle of bitterness. Though it seems daunting, this process becomes more manageable with practice; like any skill, it requires repetition and dedication.

How can we heal in the way Jesus did? While we may never replicate His physical miracles, we can still offer spiritual healing through simple acts of kindness. In Gnostic thought, healing is often associated with awakening to our true nature and reconnecting with the divine spark within. A warm hug or a friendly handshake can provide comfort and a sense of rebirth in the Spirit. In our increasingly disconnected “modern” world, physical touch holds profound significance. However, this touch is meaningless if it lacks genuine compassion and connection. Embrace openness and defend Love.

To be the Force for good in this world, we must, as Jesus puts it, be “the Salt of the Earth.” We are called to preserve and enrich the world. How can we enrich it? By giving up everything we have, recognizing that it was never ours to begin with. In order to know, to be a Gnostic, to be in Gnosis or Nirvana, we must transcend our material attachments and ego. Love your enemies, and when they unjustly impose burdens upon you, carry them with a smile, and go the extra mile. They need your help, and your help needs you. The people who support you truly love you, and those who hinder you need your love even more. This is the essence of being the Salt of the Earth.

Reflect on these ideas and explore them in your own life. Learn. Remember. Words alone are incomparable to actions adjoined. Think. It’s challenging to act in line with our true Self when we are entangled with our ego. You are not your ego; you are your Self, a spark of the divine, you are all, things interconnected with Love. Strive to embody these ideals: Be Him. Be Her. Be kind. Be courageous. Be just. Be diligent. Be beautiful. Be chaste. Be patient to all. Be in the past and the future. Be present. Live in Christ Jesus. Live in Wisdom. Extend Grace. And above all, be below. Humble. You are simply a man to be amen. So be it. John 1:42

Judgement and Identity.

It is a ridiculous notion to believe that you get to define your own identity. There are so many factors at play to influence you into the person you are today. Your identity is negotiable but it is not yours to define. You get to vote every day for your identity based on the actions you take and the words you speak. All is knowable, but not everything can be known in a lifetime. You have to build an identity piece by piece. Day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. You build yourself with every breath. And one day you will die, so do not worry about how you are judged for your identity. Simply be. Speak what you believe to be true and accept the response of the world, unless you know in your heart of hearts that you are right and “they” are wrong. But who is “they,” and how can they even judge you? You will never read their minds, and their words can only hurt you if you allow them to become embedded in your Spirit.

To understand this, it is important to reflect on the perspectives of Gnosticism, Christianity, and the concept of the Pleroma. Each of these traditions provides insight into the nature of identity and the relationship between self and the divine.

In Gnosticism, the essence of identity is deeply intertwined with the notion of divine knowledge (gnosis) and the quest for spiritual awakening. Gnostics believe that the true self is a spark of the divine trapped in the material world, which is seen as flawed or illusory. According to Gnostic thought, our earthly identity is a mere shadow of our higher, spiritual essence. The process of self-discovery is thus less about self-definition and more about remembering or awakening to our true nature, which is connected to the divine fullness of the Pleroma. The Pleroma represents the totality of divine attributes, a realm of pure unadulterated existence from which the material world emanates. In this light, personal identity is seen not as something we construct but as something we uncover through spiritual enlightenment. The Gnostic perspective encourages us to transcend the superficial judgments of the material world and align ourselves with this higher, divine reality.

Christianity offers another perspective on identity through its focus on divine creation and redemption. According to canon Christian doctrine, each individual is created in the image of God, suggesting that our identity is fundamentally linked to a divine blueprint rather than a construct of our own making. The Christian understanding of identity is deeply relatable and is framed within the context of one’s relationship with the Christ. This view posits that while we actively participate in our spiritual growth and moral development, our true identity is given to us and revealed through the grace of God. Christians are encouraged to live according to the teachings of Jesus, which involves embracing love, forgiveness, and humility. In this context, identity is both a gift and a responsibility, continuously shaped by divine guidance and human choices.

The Pleroma, a concept central to both Gnosticism and early Christian thought, represents the goodwill of mankind and the ultimate source of all reality. Within this framework, human identity is seen as part of a larger cosmic order. In both traditions, the Pleroma symbolizes the ultimate truth and completeness that individuals strive to reconnect with. Understanding oneself as a fragment of the divine can shift the focus from self-definition to self-discovery, revealing that our true nature is bound up with the divine essence rather than isolated or self-created.

Thus, integrating these perspectives, one can argue that identity is not merely a matter of personal construction or external validation. It is a complex interplay of divine essence, spiritual awakening, and relational understanding. The judgments of others, as well as our own self-perceptions, are transient and secondary to the deep unchangeable reality of the waking world in which we live.

Do not become attached to what others think of you. It matters little what they think. Reflect on how often you yourself are wrong about others. You must forgive others for what they think and say of you. Criticism is more often than not just folly. Seek instead to help others. It is only through the interactions of truly good-hearted people that you will find useful and practical advice. In doing so, you align yourself with a higher purpose. Forgive and you will not be judged harshly. You will become your true Self.

The Idea.

It all begins with an idea.

“If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him”, Voltaire (1769 A.D)

What is life? Matter or what matters? It’s both. Science and Religion go hand in hand. They were birthed out of one another from the very beginning by Force.

It does not matter whether or not you believe God exists. You are what You are.

The Pleroma

I am I am. The Kingdom of Heaven lives in you, but in order to fully reach its essence, you must take on the divine attributes of the Pleroma. The Pleroma is the Force which exists in this world purely to combat the material world and its temptations. To join with the Pleroma: you must serve others, you must act diligently, you must be committed to the good, you must be patient, you must be courageous, you must be a King of your own mind, you must be gentle yet be able to defend yourself and others, you must give generously, you must not regret, you must listen intently and read carefully, you must learn new things every day, you must know what it means to lead and to follow, you must be humble, you must be chaste, you must wield power valiantly and with act goodwill, you must act in moderation, and most importantly, you must love yourself and love others even more.

These attributes reflect a profound alignment with the divinity of the Pleroma. Each characteristic is not merely a moral guideline but a reflection of the divine essence that transcends the material and illuminates the spiritual. By embodying these traits, you align yourself with the Pleroma.

Serving others is a direct manifestation of divine love and compassion. It recognizes that to be in harmony with the Pleroma, one must transcend self-interest and actively contribute to the well-being of others. This act of selflessness mirrors the divine nature of unconditional love, which is central to both Gnostic and Christian teachings.

Acting diligently and committing to the good reflect the pursuit of God’s righteousness. They signify a rejection of the material world's distractions and a focus on higher, spiritual goals. In doing so, you participate in the divine order, seeking to fulfill the greater purpose that connects all beings to the Pleroma.

Patience and courage are attributes that guide one through the trials and tribulations of life. They symbolize a deep trust in the divine plan and the strength to confront and overcome obstacles, echoing the resilience found in the divine.

Being a King or Queen of your own mind involves mastering self-discipline and control. This sovereignty over one's thoughts and actions is crucial in maintaining alignment with the divine. It allows you to act with clarity and purpose, reflecting the Pleroma's inherent order and harmony.

Gentleness combined with the ability to defend oneself and others represents the balance between compassion and strength. It signifies the divine balance within the Pleroma, where power and mercy coexist in perfect harmony.

Generosity and the absence of regret align with the divine attributes of giving and grace. They embody the spirit of the Pleroma, which is boundless and ever-giving, promoting an eternal flow of love and compassion.

Listening intently and reading carefully demonstrate a commitment to wisdom and understanding, essential for spiritual growth. This pursuit of knowledge aligns with the divine pursuit of Truth and enlightenment.

Learning new things every day reflects the dynamic nature of divine presence, which continually unfolds and reveals new insights. It embodies the ever-evolving nature of the Pleroma, where growth and expansion are constants.

Understanding what it means to lead and to follow represents the balance of authority and humility. It reflects the divine order where roles and responsibilities are embraced with grace and respect, aligning with the Pleroma's harmonious structure.

Humility, chastity, and moderation are virtues that help maintain a connection with the divine essence. They guard against excess and arrogance, promoting a balanced and pure approach to life that resonates with the divine nature of the Pleroma.

Finally, loving yourself and loving others encapsulates the essence of divine love. It is through this profound love that one fully embraces the Kingdom of Heaven within. It reflects the ultimate goal of aligning with the Pleroma, where love and peace are both the path and the destination, uniting all beings in divine harmony.

Incorporating these attributes into daily life is not merely about following a set of rules but about aligning oneself with the divine and with your true Self. It is through this alignment that you can truly realize the Kingdom of Heaven within you and fully embrace your divinity. You are Christlike.