“The Expulsive Power of a New Affection”
Here is a truth that is as relevant today as it was when it was preached as a sermon in 1819 by Scottish Pastor Thomas Chalmers. The only way to dislodge an affection from one’s heart is for it to be pushed out and replaced by a new, stronger and more edifying affection.
My article in 46 seconds.
Try not to think of a pink elephant. Seriously. Give it a try. Put some conscious effort into it.. Don’t think of a pink elephant.
Yes, trying to suppress a thought or impulse, trying to stuff it down out of your awareness, only reinforces it. Modern psychology has documented this truth over and over again.
Transformation is more likely to happen when we let go of the old, while passionately seeking a higher and more satisfying aspiration.
Pastor Chalmers, a man of the Christian Faith, was talking about letting go of the old affections that are connected to this world, while embracing the new affections that are from the Grace of God.
Michael Singer, known for his books about the Untethered Soul, encourages us to “let go” of our attachments to things deemed to be both good and bad in our life so that we can live in the moment, untethered to that which grabs our attention.
Thus, the point of my article: It is easier to let go if we have fallen in love with a new affection.
Let’s dig deeper…
Pastor Chalmer’s sermon is written as he spoke it. The old Scottish language and punctuation are a bit challenging to my ear. Follow along as I translate Pastor Chalmer’s language into ours:
- Striving to satisfy yourself until you are full of it, whatever “it” might be, never ultimately satisfies. You can eat and drink it all, hug it all, buy it all, and it will never be enough.
- Chastising yourself for your weakness and inability to break free doesn’t create change. Guilt and shame will not free you from your attachments to the very things that provoke your guilt and shame.
- Pointing out the negative downside of unwanted attachments and desires won’t persuade you sufficiently, either. You can find all the reasons why overeating or drinking is bad for you, why certain human attachments are unhealthy, why having more stuff is expensive and wasteful, and none of those reasons will be sufficient to stop you.
- However, what does work is falling in love with a higher way of being in the world, a more edifying way, a way that pursues the principles of goodness, truth, and beauty. Fall in love with something that truly edifies you and your world, and allow that to be your soul’s most sincere desire… and your life will be transformed.
So, if you don’t want to think of a your particular pink elephant, here is what you could do instead.
Fall in love with the Source of that still, small voice that loves you, that is inviting you to be the best version of yourself, and that wants you to let go of your affections for the things of this world that are not ultimately satisfying.
Believe in The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.
Now, for a practical application during our 2024 political season.
Don’t think about how old Biden and Trump are! Yea, right… can’t be done.
Don’t attach yourself to the criticisms associated with the Democrats or the Republicans. There is enough negativity around both candidates.
But do fall in love afresh with Democracy.
Let this be the new affection that expels your cynicism, lethargy, anger, intolerance and polarizing disgruntlement.
Hear again these powerful words from the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
And then this, the final line of the Declaration — words signed by 56 courageous people who had been captured by a new affection.
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
That’s it. Right there. Can you feel the power of their convictions, the power of their affection for life in the United States?
Don’t think of a pink Republican elephant, or a pink Democrat donkey…
Love Democracy!
I write about organized common sense that is meant to edify. My personal mission in life is to explore, map, and guide people to the KIN-dom of Heaven. Follow me on Medium, or subscribe and get an email whenever I publish. Thanks for reading along.
