Sincerity in The Urantia Book
Sincerity is a fundamental spiritual quality in The Urantia Book, closely tied to truth, integrity, and wholehearted devotion to God's will. It is emphasized as an essential characteristic for personal spiritual growth and for fostering genuine relationships with God and others.
Sincerity as a Requirement for Spiritual Progress
Spiritual advancement depends on the sincerity of one's inner motives rather than external actions. True religious experience is based on a sincere and personal connection with God, rather than ritualistic or superficial expressions of faith. The book states, "Spiritual progress is predicated on intellectual recognition of spiritual poverty coupled with the self-consciousness of sincerity, the persistent effort to attain the moral heights of the universe..." (100:2.7). Sincerity ensures that one's spiritual journey is authentic and deeply personal.
Sincerity in Seeking Truth
Those who sincerely seek truth will find divine guidance. Sincerity guarantees that the search for knowledge and understanding is genuine and free from self-deception. The book affirms, “Sincere men are unafraid of the logical consequences of their honest thinking.” (101:2.6). This means that a truly sincere person will not shy away from truth, even if it challenges preconceived beliefs.
Jesus Michael and the Example of Sincerity
Jesus Michael, as depicted in The Urantia Book, embodies perfect sincerity. His teachings and actions reflect a pure and transparent alignment with divine truth. He encourages now his followers to be sincere in their faith and love for God. The book states, "Sincerity is the hallmark of the sure-enough religionist.” (155:1.5). This highlights that true religion is not about outward appearances but about an inner, heartfelt commitment to living truthfully.
Sincerity in Human Relationships
True sincerity fosters trust and authenticity in relationships. It prevents hypocrisy and superficiality, which can weaken bonds between individuals. The book affirms, “The sincerity of any act is the measure of its moral virtue and the gauge of its spiritual value.” (48:6.33). This implies that sincerity is not just a spiritual principle but a foundation for ethical living and meaningful human interactions.
Sincerity and the Thought Adjuster (Inner Divine Guide)
The book teaches that sincerity helps individuals align with their Thought Adjuster, the divine presence within. A sincere heart is receptive to divine guidance and transformation. It states, "Sincerity is the assurance of the sincerity of your own soul’s communion with the Spirit of Truth.” (194:3.19). This means that sincerity acts as a bridge between human consciousness and divine wisdom, allowing a person to grow spiritually through genuine inner experience.
Jesus and the Example of Sincerity in The Urantia Book
Jesus Michael, as portrayed in The Urantia Book, is the supreme example of sincerity. His life and teachings embody the perfect harmony of truth, love, and divine will. His sincerity was not just an outward expression but a deep, inner reality that shaped every aspect of his existence. Paper 196, The Faith of Jesus Michael, provides profound insights into how Jesus lived out sincerity in his relationship with God, his mission on Earth, and his interactions with others.
1. The Absolute Sincerity of Jesus’ Faith
Paper 196 emphasizes that Jesus’ faith was not based on mere belief or tradition but was a living, dynamic experience of trust in God. His sincerity in faith was total and unwavering.
“Jesus’ faith was trusting, like that of a child, but it was wholly free from presumption.” (196:0.11)
“Jesus’ faith attained the purity of a child’s trust.” (196:0.10)
His sincerity in faith was not naïve or passive but active and intelligent. He trusted God completely while also engaging in thoughtful, conscious cooperation with divine will. His sincerity meant that he did not engage in faith for personal gain or out of obligation but because he genuinely knew and loved the Father.
2. Sincerity in Jesus Michael’s Religious Experience
Unlike those who practiced religion for status or social conformity, Jesus' religious experience was completely authentic. He never engaged in religious pretense or hypocrisy.
“Jesus’ faith was so real and all-encompassing that it absolutely swept away any spiritual doubts and effectively destroyed every conflicting desire.” (196:0.4)
“He was not a passive mystic nor an overzealous religious fanatic; he was never self-deceived nor the victim of mere hallucinations.” (196:0.10)
This demonstrates that Jesus’ sincerity was grounded in reality. His faith was not based on emotionalism or fanaticism but on deep spiritual conviction. His direct experience of God gave him an unshakable confidence that shaped his entire approach to life.
3. Jesus Michael’s Sincerity in His Mission
Jesus’ sincerity extended to his purpose on Earth—he lived entirely for the revelation of God to humanity. He never wavered from this mission, never sought personal glory, and never engaged in deception.
“Jesus Michael was consistently loyal to the living truth.” (196:0.12)
“He was absolutely sincere. He was free from all pretense; he was always so refreshingly genuine.” (196:2.1)
Unlike religious leaders of his time, who sometimes used their positions for personal gain or manipulation, Jesus Michael remained humble and transparent. He never sought to dominate or control others—he only invited them to experience the truth he lived. His sincerity made his teachings and personality irresistibly compelling, even to those who opposed him.
4. Jesus’ Sincerity in Human Relationships
Jesus' sincerity was especially evident in how he interacted with people. He treated everyone—from the highest religious leaders to the lowest sinners—with genuine love, respect, and honesty.
“He was not a dogmatic theologian who simply stated his beliefs; he was never argumentative, but always patient in dealing with troublesome souls.” (196:2.3)
“He was gentle and unassuming in his personal life, but he was also the perfected manly courage when occasion demanded.” (196:0.14)
His sincerity meant that he did not flatter people or tell them what they wanted to hear—he spoke the truth in love, even when it was difficult. This sincerity attracted sincere truth-seekers and repelled those who were insincere or hypocritical.
5. The Ultimate Test of His Sincerity: The Cross
The sincerity of Jesus was tested most profoundly in his final hours. Despite suffering, betrayal, and death, he remained utterly faithful to his mission.
“The Master could not be turned aside from his purpose. He was devotedly consecrated to doing his Father’s will.” (196:0.13)
“Even his enemies had to admit that he was genuine. He was utterly unafraid.” (196:2.2)
His willingness to endure the cross was the ultimate proof of his sincerity. He did not resist, retaliate, or abandon his faith. He demonstrated the highest integrity of spirit by forgiving those who crucified him and remaining faithful to his mission of revealing the Father’s love.
6. Sincerity as the Path to God-Consciousness
Jesus’ life teaches that sincerity is not just a moral virtue but a path to divine reality. His sincerity allowed him to experience God’s presence in the fullest way possible.
“Jesus progressed from the consciousness of the presence of God to the realization of the revelation of God to the world.” (196:0.6)
“He lived on earth as a perfected man; he ascended to his Father as a perfected God-man.” (196:2.8)
This means that sincerity is not just about being honest—it is about being open to truth, embracing it fully, and living it without compromise. When a person is completely sincere in their faith, they become aligned with divine reality and experience God more deeply.
7. How We Can Follow Jesus’ Example of Sincerity
Jesus demonstrated that sincerity is the foundation of true spiritual living. We can follow his example by:
1. Being honest in our faith – Truly seeking God without pretense or self-deception.
2. Living without hypocrisy – Acting in alignment with our highest beliefs.
3. Serving others genuinely – Helping others without expecting recognition.
4. Speaking truth in love – Communicating honestly while maintaining compassion.
5. Remaining faithful under trial – Holding onto truth even when it is difficult.
Conclusion: Jesus, the Perfect Model of Sincerity
Jesus is the highest example of sincerity in human history. He lived a life completely aligned with divine truth, never compromising, never deceiving, and never seeking selfish gain. His sincerity made his faith unshakable, his mission unstoppable, and his love for humanity unparalleled.
By following his example, we too can cultivate a sincere and living faith—one that leads us toward true God-consciousness, eternal growth, and ultimate unity with divine purpose.
Conclusion
Sincerity in The Urantia Book is a key quality that enables spiritual progress, strengthens personal integrity, and deepens one’s relationship with God and others. It is the foundation of a genuine and transformative religious experience. Without sincerity, faith becomes empty, and truth loses its power. A sincere seeker of truth is one who not only believes in divine realities but lives them with honesty, courage, and unwavering commitment.
United Ministry of the Paradise Sons
The Sovrnty Foundation
