comes from what is their own in their will, and also that it is not possible for them
to do so unless there is some other source from which they may know it. From what
is their own in their will people do not desire to understand anything except that
which relates to themselves and to the world; everything above this is to them in
thick darkness. (Doctrine of the Sacred Scripture 115)
Yet we have been clearly taught that above ourselves and the things of the
natural world is a spiritual world that is actually more real and more lasting
than this world. We have been clearly taught that our minds and spirits are
constantly in the company of other spirits from that world. Without their
presence we would have no thought, nor would we care about anything.
As we pursue our daily patterns of thought and action, we are strengthening
ties to communities of those spirits. Our daily choices are spiritual investments
in our eternal future. Some people are daily connecting themselves ever more
clearly to communities of spirits which will guarantee that they will feel critical
of others and be easily offended by even slight inconveniences that cross their
path. Some are connecting themselves ever more clearly to communities of
spirits that make it almost impossible for them to tell the truth to themselves
and others; any troublesome event will be explained away or justified.
In major contrast, others are connecting themselves to communities who
find their greatest delight in being of service to the people around them. Still
others are connecting to communities who really care about understanding
what is true because they know that this is the only way they will truly be able
to follow the Lord. The single community in the next life, either in heaven or
hell, that we connect ourselves to most closely by our daily choices will be the
one in which we live to eternity after death.
How can we know what kind of communities we are connecting ourselves
to? By reflecting on the patterns in our own lives from a knowledge of what is
true.
People who reflect, or are able to reflect, upon the affections of good and truth in
themselves, and also upon their delight and pleasure, will notice a strong inclination
for [some affections] in preference to another; but without reflection these and the
like things do not appear. (Arcana Caelestia 3980)
Ahab didn’t want to see the patterns in his life that condemned some of his
actions. He would prefer to listen to false prophets who promised wonderful
things, but he could not escape the reality of the order that the Lord created.
Whether he wanted to listen to it or not, the consequences of that order would
influence his life.
Where will each of us find ourselves in the life after death? The Writings
say that if we have a knowledge of how different good and evil loves correspond
to different beautiful and ugly environments, then we can know what our lot
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