May The (Unity) Force be with you!

Tuesday was Star Wars Day: “May the 4th be with you”. I grow nostalgic when I think of Star Wars. I saw the original premier episode in 1977 when I was 16 at our local theatre. I loved it then, and still do to this day. One of the most intriguing aspects of the series (nine episodes in the saga to date) is the real star of the series never seen by anyone; the mysterious “Force”. We are never really given any detailed explanation of the Force. It appears to be best understood by an elite group of warriors known as the Jedi. Even they offer no explanation as to exactly what the Force is, but they have intense discipline in their lives to flow with the Force in battling evil forces at work in their galaxy. It is significant that while the Force primarily works for the good of the galaxy, it has what is called “the Dark Side”, where the Force may be turned toward evil ends. This Dark Side is initially manifested in the characters of Darth Vader and his master, Emperor Palpatine.

Shortly after Star Wars premiered, I began to seek after spiritual things in my young life. Still a Star Wars fan, I thought the Force seemed a lot like the Spirit of God. I had trouble however, working the Dark Side into my theology. I was taught by my Evangelical church that ”God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5). I finally gave up on “Christianizing” Star Wars, and relegated it to a fun fictional series. Since joining with Unity, I see my beloved series in a new spiritual light. We know the first Unity principle is “One Presence/One Power, God the Good Omnipotent”. We understand that the only true Force in the Universe is what we call God. There is no “force of evil” at work, for evil is not a force, but simply the absence of good.

Just as darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat so is the nature of what we call evil; it only exists where good is absent. We know there is no literal personage called “the Devil” to contend with, but there is the lower consciousness in humanity that must be elevated in each of us. I see that the “Dark Side” is defeated as Christ-Consciousness rises, and that we can all become “Jedi” through discipline in utilizing Unity principles and prayer. It is so wonderful to know that there is indeed a Force at work, and that we have the privilege of flowing therein and turning back the darkness as we proclaim the Unity message. So I can once again unashamedly proclaim:
 
May The Force be with you!!!
Rev. Mickey