Service of humanity and the sacrifice of the lower self to the higher are laws of spiritual growth. Religion is a means to an end. As such, it may be seen to have a dual purpose. Wisdom may be considered to be the sum total of the experiences and knowledge gained during all of man's past lives. Knowledge alone is the function of the lower mind.
Wisdom reaches far above the lower mind.
Wisdom gives man that true perspective with which to discover the real purpose of life. It makes possible prudent, dispassionate, perfect judgment. An obvious expression of such a philosophy of life is found in man's affinity for all Nature, a sign of a mature love and heartfelt respect for The Creator's creation. In the effort to understand even more fully Nature's ways, man is helped by eager intellect that directs his studies and interests toward the divine. Truth, being what it is to each person, enlightens him increasingly as his intuitive faculties unfold.