One of the things that bothered me when attending "new age" churches was the concept of "manifesting" material things. I remember one minister talking about how he "manifested" a new Lincoln, as "proof" of his spiritual enlightenment.

I raised this issue once with Dr. Wes McPherson, formerly pastor of a large church, but now content with a small, very loving and sharing flock. His answer was that the manifestation of material things was the "hook" that kept people coming back for more.

I understood, then, as most people are only concerned with their own welfare, the thought of obtaining more and better material things, that self-interest would motivate them to expose themselves to spiritual learning, and, eventually, enlightenment.

Years passed, and I found that the supposedly "enlightened" leaders of our time truly believe in the ability to "manifest" material things in their lives, and that had become the goal of their spiritual learning, how to "manifest" more.

One such leader came to me for help, as things weren't going so well in the material world. Though "not concerned" with material things, the lack of their "proper" appearance, when he was concerned only with the spiritual world, was a dilemma. Of course, an ego cannot examine itself, and thus he could not see the flaw in his reasoning.

As I began to discuss it with him, the clear answer appeared in my Mind (where it always was). THE MATERIAL WORLD REFLECTS OUR ENLIGHTENMENT. When wonderful material things appear in our lives, it is only because we are at peace, when it is absolutely clear that they have no meaning for us. They then become like a barometer, indicating the depth and strength of our Love.

When the goal is to "manifest" some THING, the thing has become our god, and then we cannot know God.