Lesson 65 – My only function is the one God gave me.

Commentary (full lesson beneath commentary)

We are clearing the mind to make it a clean slate on which our true function is written for us.  Our true function is forgiveness as the light of the world.  Let us forgive and be happy.  We are learning to recognize the means for letting forgiveness be done through us.  No other purpose can bring me greater happiness.

Let me not substitute my function for God’s–let me not wander into temptation.  It is a long and winding road that wastes time with idle thoughts.  My only function is the one God gave me.  I want no other and have no other.  Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world.  Forgiveness and happiness are the same.  Forgiveness = happiness.  “The light that belongs to you is the light of joy.” And “Joy calls forth an integrated willingness to share it, and promotes the mind’s natural impulse to respond as one.” (T-5,Intro:4&6) 

First I recognize that salvation is my function, and then I relinquish all other goals I have invented for myself.  This will lead to peace of mind.  Salvation, my function, forgiveness–they are all the same.  They are all the change of mind that undoes “me” and and then “I” am revelation-ready.

“Salvation is nothing more than ‘right-mindedness,’ which is not the One-mindedness of the Holy Spirit, but which must be achieved before One-Mindedness is restored.” (T-4.II.10:1)  “This is the gift by which God leans to us and lifts us up, taking salvation’s final step Himself.” (W-168)

LESSON 65

My only function is the one God gave me.

The idea for today reaffirms your commitment to salvation.  It also reminds you that you have no other function than that.  Both these thoughts are obviously necessary for a total commitment.  Salvation cannot be the only purpose you hold while you still cherish others.  The full acceptance of salvation as your only function necessarily entails two phases; the recognition of salvation as your function, and the relinquishment of all the other goals you have invented for yourself.

This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place among the saviors of the world.  This is the only way in which you can say and mean, “My only function is the one God gave me.”  This is the only way in which you can find peace of mind.

Today, and for a number of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen minutes for a more sustained practice period, in which you try to understand and accept what the idea for today really means.  Today’s idea offers you escape from all your perceived difficulties.  It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands.  It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time began.

Try, if possible, to undertake the daily extended practice periods at approximately the same time each day.  Try, also, to determine this time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible.  The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart the time for God, as well as for all the trivial  purposes and goals you will pursue.  This is part of the long-range disciplinary training your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for the purpose He shares with you.

For the longer practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for the day.  Then close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch your mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it.  At first, make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea for the day.  Rather, try to uncover each thought that arises to interfere with it.  Note each one as it comes to you, with as little involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each one by telling yourself:

This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me from accepting my only function.

After a while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find.  Try, however, to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of the idle thoughts that escaped your attention before, but do not strain or make undue effort in doing this.  Then tell yourself:

On this clean slate let my true function be written for me.

You need not use these exact words, but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illusions of purpose be replaced by truth.

Finally, repeat the idea for today once more, and devote the rest of the practice period to trying to focus on its importance to you, the relief its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts once and for all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in spite of your own foolish ideas to the contrary.

In the shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least once an hour, use this form in applying today’s idea:

My only function is the one God gave me.  I want no other and I have no other.

Sometimes close your eyes as you practice this, and sometimes keep them open and look about you.  It is what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept today’s idea completely.

Let’s practice together!  Watch and hear Amy reading each ACIM Lesson on Youtube.  Also, check out Workin’ the Workbook, Amy’s online class which supports the ACIM Workbook practice.