One of Neville Goddard’s most profound teachings is that the subconscious mind and imagination are the architects of our external reality. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the biblical verse:
“The last shall be first, and the first shall be last”
— Matthew 20:16
At first glance, this might seem paradoxical, but Neville reveals it as a key principle of manifestation. What is "last" in the inner world—hidden within the subconscious—will eventually be made "first" in the external world as it manifests into reality.
The Last Shall Be First: Imagination as the Key to Manifestation
In Neville Goddard’s worldview, the Bible is not a historical account but a guide to understanding the powers of the human mind. When Neville interprets “the last shall be first”, he reveals a deep spiritual law: what is hidden within us—the desires, beliefs, and emotions stored in the subconscious mind (the "last")—will eventually emerge and shape our external experiences (the "first").
Neville teaches that the subconscious mind is not merely passive—it is the creative force that drives everything. Whatever we imagine, believe, and feel deeply about becomes a seed planted in the subconscious. Over time, these seeds grow and manifest into our external reality. So, “the last shall be first” means that what is hidden in your imagination, your inner world, will inevitably show up as the "first" in your external world.
Example:
Imagine you desire improved health. By vividly imagining yourself healthy, feeling those sensations in your body, and impressing that image on your subconscious mind, your imagination will work behind the scenes to bring this health into reality. It may feel "last" or distant at first, but with faith and persistence, it will become the "first" in your experience.
The Lesser Light of Genesis: A Deeper Look
Now, let’s explore a fascinating concept from Genesis that Neville frequently highlighted: the idea of the "greater light" and the "lesser light". In Genesis 1:16, it says:
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.”
— Genesis 1:16
On the surface, this seems like a description of the sun and moon, but Neville Goddard saw much more. He interprets these two lights as metaphors for the conscious and subconscious minds.
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The Greater Light (The Sun): This represents the conscious mind—the waking mind where we make decisions and are aware of our thoughts.
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The Lesser Light (The Moon): This represents the subconscious mind—the hidden, powerful force that shapes our external reality.
Why the Lesser Light Holds the True Power
Neville often emphasised that while the conscious mind (the greater light) is active and aware, it is the subconscious mind (the lesser light) that holds the true power to create. The sun is visible during the day, just as our conscious mind is active when we are awake. The moon, however, is only visible at night, reflecting the light of the sun, much like the subconscious reflects the images we impress upon it.
But here’s the key point: the moon (the subconscious) does not just reflect the light of the sun (the conscious mind)—it creates. The subconscious is the fertile ground where all things begin. What we impress upon it through our imagination and feelings will eventually come to fruition in the physical world.
The Power of Imagination: From the Lesser Light to the First
When Neville teaches that "the last shall be first," he is referring to the fact that what’s hidden in the subconscious mind (the lesser light) will eventually rise to the surface and manifest in our external world. This ties back to Genesis: while the sun (the conscious mind) is visible during the day, it is the moon (the subconscious mind) that rules the night and reflects the light of the sun.
Example:
Think about someone who dreams of success. If they imagine themselves living that success daily, filling their mind with those images and feelings, those impressions will enter the subconscious (the lesser light). Over time, the subconscious will bring those desires to life. The process of turning the "last" (the unseen thought in the subconscious) into the "first" (manifested reality) is how imagination works.
How to Harness This Power
The key takeaway is simple: what is stored in the subconscious mind shapes your reality. The "last" in your inner world—your desires, imagination, and feelings—will inevitably become the "first" in your external world. This is the law of manifestation.
To harness this power:
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Consciously choose your thoughts and imagination.
Ask yourself what images and beliefs you want to impress upon your subconscious. -
Feel as though your desire is already fulfilled.
The subconscious responds not just to thoughts but to the feelings attached to them. -
Be patient and persistent.
Just as the lesser light (the subconscious) works quietly in the background, so too will your desires manifest in time.
Conclusion: The Creative Power Within
In conclusion, “the last shall be first” beautifully encapsulates the law of manifestation. What is hidden within us—our imagination, beliefs, and desires—will eventually rise to the surface and shape our reality. This aligns perfectly with Neville Goddard’s teaching on the subconscious mind. The "lesser light" of Genesis represents the subconscious, quietly working behind the scenes to reflect the images we impress upon it.
By consciously directing your imagination and planting the right seeds in your subconscious, you can shape your reality. What may seem like the "last"—hidden, distant, or impossible—can and will become the "first" in your experience. It’s not about waiting for the world to change; it’s about changing your internal world first, trusting that the lesser light will reflect the greater light, bringing your desires into the physical world.
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