Re: IA´s Journal
LESSON 65
”My only function is the one Godgave me.”
The idea for today reaffirmsyour commitment to salvation. It also reminds you that you have no functionother than that. Both these thoughts are obviously necessary for a totalcommitment. Salvation cannot be the only purpose you hold while you stillcherish others. The full acceptance of salvation as your only functionnecessarily entails two phases; the recognition of salvation as your function,and the relingquishment of all the other goals you have invented for youself.This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place among thesaviors of the world. This is the only way in which you can say and mean, ”Myonly functiojn is the one God gave me.” This is the only way in which you canfind peace of mind. Today, and for anumber of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen minutes for a more sustainedpractice period, in which you try to understand and accept what the idea forthe day really means. Today´s idea offers you escape from all your perceiveddifficulties. It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closedupon yourself, in your own hands. It gives you the answer to all the serchingyou have done since time began. Try, if possible, to undertake the dailyextended practice periods at approximately the same time each time. Try, also,to determine this time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely aspossible. The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apartthe time for God, as well as for all the trivial purposes and goals you willpursue. 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 withyou. 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 yourmind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it. At first, make no attemptto concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea for the day. Rather, try touncover each thought that arises to interfere with it. Note each one as it comesto you, with as little involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each oneby telling yourself:
”This thought reflects a goalthat is preventing me from accepting my only function.”
After a while, interferingthoughts will become harder to find. Try, however, to continue a minute or solonger, attempting to catch a few of the idle thoughts that escaped yourattention before, but do not strain or make undue effort in doing this. Thentell yourself:
”On this clean slate let my truefunction be written for me.”
You need not use these exactwords, but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illlusions ofpurpose be replaced by truth. Finally, repeat the idea for today once more, anddevote the rest of the practice period to trying to focus on its importance toyou, the relief its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts onceand for all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in spite of yourown foolish ideas to the contrary. In the shorter practice periods, whichshould be undertaken at least once an hour, use this form in applying today´sidea:
”My only function is the one Godgave me. I want no other and I have no other.”
Sometimes close your eyes as youpractice this, and somethimes keep them open and look around you. It is whatyou see now that will be totally changed when you accept today´s ideacompletely.
Love
Core Affirmation: I am loved and I am worthy,
I am safe and I am free.
I am powerfully protected.
I am master of my body and ruler of my mind.
By Robert Bruce
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