ACIM Workbook Lesson 83 – for Thursday, March 24, 2011
Affirmation: “My only function is the one God gave me.”
Selected Passage:
“I have no function but the one God gave me. This recognition releases me from all conflict, because it means I cannot have conflicting goals. With one purpose only, I am always certain what to do, what to say and what to think. (WB148)”
Reflections:
The only function is forgiveness, or pardon. (Usually it is called “forgiveness” in ACIM, but the word “pardon” is also used upon occasion.) Why would this be true? ACIM does not actually say that we are in a schoolroom in this world, but much of what we read may be interpreted in this way. We are here to save the world. There could be no more lofty purpose, and there is no more lofty purpose. Our function of forgiveness will also lead us to happiness (elsewhere called our function, as well).
Affirmation: “My happiness and my function are one.”
Selected Passage:
“. . .I must learn to recognize what makes me happy, if I would find happiness. (WB148)”
Reflections:
Here is the dual nature of forgiveness and happiness. Forgiveness leads to happiness; nothing else works this way. Certainly the ego does not, though we have flights of euphoria when we have “triumphed” over another. But this euphoria soon turns to ashes. We would leave behind false ways of seeking happiness today.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
If You send me euphoria today, may it be a joyous feeling that is completely in line with Your best intentions for me. May any euphoria that I feel or long to feel fail to partake of the ego.
When my only goal is salvation (for myself and others), then I do know what to say and what to do, because the Holy Spirit guides me. May I ask You, once again, that I be flexible enough to turn quickly away from the false way, into the right way–led by Your grace.
Amen.
