Awakening the Inner Divine: Lessons from the Gospel of Thomas

Welcome back to Blogging Up, where we explore spirituality, personal growth, and the wisdom that connects us all. This week, we’re diving into one of the most intriguing and transformative spiritual texts ever discovered: the Gospel of Thomas. Unlike the familiar narratives of the canonical Gospels, the Gospel of Thomas is a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus—short, cryptic, and deeply mystical. These sayings challenge us to look inward, to awaken to the divine spark within, and to see the world—and ourselves—through a radically different lens.

The Kingdom Within

One of the most striking teachings in the Gospel of Thomas is this:

"The kingdom of God is inside of you and outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are the children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty." (Saying 3)

This isn’t the distant, external kingdom often imagined in traditional interpretations. Instead, Jesus invites us to turn inward, to discover that the divine is not something far away or reserved for a select few. It’s here, now, within us. The Gospel of Thomas flips the script on salvation—it’s not about waiting for a future event or relying on external rituals. It’s about awakening to the truth that the divine is already present, waiting to be realized.

Bringing Forth What Is Within

Another powerful teaching from Thomas reads:

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." (Saying 70)

This saying challenges us to confront our inner world—the hidden gifts, the unspoken truths, and yes, even the shadows we’d rather ignore. It’s a call to authenticity, to live fully into who we are meant to be. The divine spark within us isn’t just a comforting idea; it’s a responsibility. When we bring it forth—through love, creativity, and self-awareness—we align with our highest potential. But when we suppress or deny it, we risk living disconnected, unfulfilled lives.

A Radical Message of Empowerment

The Gospel of Thomas is often seen as a radical text because it shifts the focus of spirituality from external authority to personal empowerment. It suggests that salvation isn’t something handed down by institutions or intermediaries—it’s something we discover within ourselves. This doesn’t mean rejecting tradition or community, but rather recognizing that the ultimate spiritual journey is deeply personal.

In a world that often tells us we’re not enough, the Gospel of Thomas reminds us that we are already whole, already divine. It’s not about becoming something we’re not—it’s about remembering who we’ve always been.

Practical Reflections

How can we bring these teachings into our daily lives? Here are a few ideas to reflect on this week:

Self-Inquiry: Take time to sit quietly and ask yourself, “What is within me that I need to bring forth?” Journal your thoughts and see what emerges.

Mindful Presence: Practice seeing the divine in everyday moments. Whether it’s the beauty of nature, a kind word from a friend, or a quiet moment of stillness, remind yourself that the kingdom is both within and around you.

Authenticity: Reflect on areas of your life where you might be holding back. What would it look like to live more fully into your truth?

Your Invitation

The Gospel of Thomas invites us to see ourselves—and the world—in a new way. It’s not about abandoning what we’ve known but expanding it, integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding. This week, I encourage you to explore what it means to awaken the inner divine. What might change if you truly believed that the kingdom of God is within you?

Let’s continue the conversation in the comments. What resonates with you from these teachings? How do you see the divine within yourself and others? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Until next week, keep exploring, keep growing, and remember: everything you need is already within you.