A New Earth – Author Eckhart Tolle & Oprah – Ways to Say No and Types of Energy
Legal LawDuring Chapter 2 of his book A New Earth online course, Eckhart Tolle with Oprah answered a caller’s question about knowing when to let go and when to be assertive.
Michelle called from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to join in the discussion and asked, “I’m a little confused about Chapter 2. I understand the quote: ‘If someone takes your shirt, give them your coat too.’ Where do you draw the line without them get walked all over? I don’t want to be a selfish person, but at the same time I don’t want to be taken advantage of. So I’m having a bit of a mix-up with that.
The passage Michelle was referring to came directly from the Bible as Jesus originally said it. “To the one who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other also; and to the one who takes your shirt, give your tunic also.” (Luke 6:29)
Jesus sought to build a spiritual kingdom and build the inner man within humanity, so that they would not cling tightly to earthly things or hinder them. Jesus said: “For what profits a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
The rich young ruler approached Jesus and said, “Good Teacher, what good can I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) Jesus feeling a little flattery from him, immediately made him redirect his attention to God the Father and keep the commandments to enter into life.
The young man said to Jesus: “All these things I have kept from my youth: what do I still lack?” (v. 20) Interestingly, the young man did not simply say that he had kept the commandments, but he went so far as to point out that he had done so throughout his youth up to now. This could indicate some self-righteousness and a tendency to try to earn salvation through good works. Note that the young man asked what he must “do” to have eternal life.
However, Christ and the kingdom of God are received and entered by faith, not by good works. Of course, thereafter you can do good deeds, but by no means should you do good deeds. Good works should flow freely from the heart as you love God and your neighbor.
Jesus sensed the young man’s dilemma and problem, after which, without hesitation, he got to the point and gave him advice. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).
He had great possessions, but more importantly, his answer revealed the condition of his heart. The young man’s response says it all. “But when the young man heard these words, he went away sad, because he had many possessions.” (verse 22)
This showed that he was possessed by his possessions, or that his possessions possessed him. Jesus, seeing the young man walk away, said: “How hard will it be for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 23).
Note that Jesus didn’t say it was impossible, just harder and harder. Because when you have the material goods of this world in your possession, you become more and more self-sufficient. Therefore, the tendency is to turn away from God and become a god to oneself.
However, Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy disciple who wholeheartedly followed Jesus (Matthew 27:57), proving that it can be done with success. Zacchaeus, who was the chief of the tax collectors, was also rich. Zacchaeus was so hungry for Christ that he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed by. Believing wholeheartedly in Christ the Lord, Zacchaeus immediately repented, made restitution, and experienced glorious salvation in his house (see Luke 19:2-9).
Eckhart, responding to Michelle’s question, replied: “All it says is sometimes letting go, there is more power in letting go than there is in holding on or holding onto something. So there are situations where you really get stronger when you let go.” , instead of when you hold on.” It doesn’t mean that people walk all over you. In fact, there are situations where you have to say no very clearly to a situation or a person, but even that ‘no’ can be of two different kinds.”
Tolle continued: “Usually he’s not very negative. When you say ‘no’ to a person, a person says, ‘I’ll take you home.’ But you see the person is drunk. Of course you wouldn’t just say yes.” to be nice. You say no.”
“Now do you say no with negative energy and in a state of resistance or do you say no positive? It just means a clear and direct, ‘No, I won’t do that.'”
“This is very different from non-resistant. I call it the no-negative no, a high-quality no.”
Oprah added some insight: “She’s also looking at why you’d hold on to the T-shirt… If the reason you’re holding on to the T-shirt makes you think the T-shirt will give you more value or you’re operating from your ego when you hold on to it. So you’re saying…deliver whatever needs to be delivered.”
Oprah is right in trying to gauge the heart’s motivation and “reason” for holding on to things. This is precisely why Jesus told the rich young man to sell his possessions and give them to the poor, because Jesus felt the young man’s unhealthy attachment and identification with his possessions.
Truly, the Word of God is like a two-edged sword that cuts, divides, and discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (see Hebrews 4:12). However, we know that it is quite possible to be both wealthy and spiritual, because all of Jesus’ apostles were formerly successful businessmen. By becoming disciples of Christ and traveling with him, they continued to support themselves and their families.
That is why when Jesus said: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). The disciples of Jesus were immediately amazed beyond measure. Because? Because they knew their own financial position and were concerned about their own spiritual well-being.
The disciples, fearing for their own salvation, said among themselves: “Who then can be saved?” (Mark 10:26) Jesus answered them by saying: “For men it is impossible, but not for God; for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).
This comment and response from Jesus is to say that men can buy almost everything, but not eternal salvation. Therefore, only this comes from God, which, if you keep your heart tender and sensitive to the Spirit of the Lord, you can have it. The problem with things is that they tend to dull the heart and, just like tares, “they choke the Word of God” making it fruitless in you.
“The cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things that come in, choke the Word of God, making it unfruitful in you” (see Mark 4:19).
Jesus, being fully committed to earthly prosperity as well as heavenly riches and glory, expounded by saying, “There is no man who has left home, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or land for my sake.” and from the gospel, but he will receive a hundredfold now at this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life “(Mark 10: 29-30).
Interestingly, Jesus said that along with the blessings that come when you seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:31), along with them you will be persecuted. And most of the persecution comes from the zealous religious crowd that wants what you have, but hasn’t paid the price you have paid with sacrifice and experience.
Many wanted (and still want and pursue) the divine revelation and insight of the Apostle Paul. Yet very few are willing to endure the hardships, abuse, persecution, and hardships that Paul endured to obtain such an inner revelation.
In response to Michelle’s question, no, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be doormats for people to use and abuse. When the Pharisees and scribes tried to entangle Jesus in his speech, he wisely answered them and withdrew from them. Furthermore, when he was appropriated, Christ boldly confronted them to address his own hypocrisy.
We cannot correct what we refuse to face. Often what you tolerate will continue to dominate.
Therefore, we must bring order to our lives, homes, and professional and social interactions; so that we are not swept away by cunning people in the world of business and society.
God gave you heart and spine, preserve them and use them when appropriate. As you do this, you will need to nurture and protect the positive life force energy that flows within and through you.