I do not call for martyrs but for teachers.

As you read the teachings of the Apostles, remember that I told them myself that there was much they would understand later, because they were not wholly ready to follow me at the time. I do not want you to allow any fear to enter into the thought system toward which I am guiding you. I do not call for martyrs but for teachers. T-6.I.16:1-3

A Course in Miracles . Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Most religions teach fear. That’s how the clergy controls people. Jesus tells us that his teaching is quite different. He is not teaching religion but spirituality. Religion is for people who are afraid of hell. Spirituality is for people who are there, or have been there.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to engage in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This truth and meaning appears differently at different stages of our development. People at lower stages are not ready yet for the higher stages. Development to higher stages of consciousness will be realized if we can overcome our fears and seek it.

Today, it is suggested that we take a few minutes and consider our level of spiritual development. The stages of spiritual development can be conceptualized as a ladder. Which rung are you standing on most of the time: lower, middle, higher? What would it take for you to make the next step?