“The experience of the Self is God. It is not from God It is not of God. It is God. (A Course of Love: Dialogues, p. 211)”
Affirmation: “May I come to understand that my Self is encompassed in God.”
Reflections:
Day Thirty Two is a comprehensive discussion of what concepts of God we have held at various points in our lives, and among various thinkers. These concepts are (1) God as Supreme Being; (2) God as Creator; (3) as a part of God as Creator, the concept that God exists in all that has been created. Then we are told that a “concept” of God is not necessary. Indeed, we have been told repeatedly that concepts are not needed for ourselves, for other people, or for God. Concepts are normally misleading, and even evidence of the influence of the ego.
Whether God is seen as Supreme Being or as Creator, He is seen as All Powerful. But we read, in the next sentence, that to see God as All Powerful is to disenfranchise ourselves. God does not intend this. We too are part of Him. We too are powerful.
Yet there is a further thought that helps us to understand. God must be in relationship to know Himself. This is why our union in relationship has been stressed throughout A Course of Love. God is one in being, but different in relationship. This idea explains our diversity, as well as that of the natural world. God experiences Himself in diversity. His is a Being of union and relationship, just what Jesus has been calling us to emulate in our lives in ACOL. We are limited in relationship, though, and thus we have limited power. As we move toward holy relationship, though, we reach closer to the epitome that is God.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
It is insightful to realize that even God has to experience Himself/Herself in relationship, in diversity. I do not fully understand, but I do not expect to understand fully. My little self is not able to comprehend. As I reach toward the Self of form, I hope that my understanding will increase.
May I move ever close to holy relationships with all of my brothers and sisters. Help me to do this today.
Amen.
ACIM Workbook Lesson for Day 125:
In quiet I receive God’s Word today.
