“The single aim of the teacher turns the divided goal of the pupil into one direction, with the call for help becoming his one appeal. This then is easily responded to with just one answer, and this answer will enter the teacher’s mind unfailingly. From there it shines into his pupil’s mind, making it one with his. (M-17.3)”
Affirmation: “May the Holy Spirit tell me what to say today.”
Reflections:
1 – The Holy Spirit’s Part
This brief passage for today does not mention the Holy Spirit, but that is the context in which the passage occurs. And the Holy Spirit will specifically tell us what to say: “. . .this answer will enter the teacher’s mind unfailingly.” What a blessing this is! If only we can believe, and indeed many of us can.
2 – Shabby Self-Image
Sometimes we get an indication of what to say that is embarrassing to us (from the Manual). We need to be willing to let go of this “shabby self-image” (quotation from the Manual), and go ahead and say the words. Jesus says that these “embarrassing” words will be far wiser than our own.
3 – Ego
May we have the strength to offer the words that come to us, if we are sure that they are not hurtful. The Holy Spirit would never offer words to us that are hurtful, but the ego might. And we sometimes do make mistakes in believing that the Holy Spirit is speaking when the speaking is actually coming from the ego. (Interpretations, not stated in ACIM.) We are not above making mistakes, though we may be tempted to think otherwise. The ego is very wily.
4 – Be Quiet and Listen
But Jesus would not have us in conflict this way. We will be shown the right words, the right way, if we quiet ourselves and then move in the direction of the leaning from the Holy Spirit. If we are quiet and peaceful about the decision of what to say, we are more likely to be right, to have heard the Holy Spirit accurately.
5 – Follow Guidance as Soon as Possible
If at first we don’t do the bidding of the Holy Spirit, let us do that bidding as soon as we can get ourselves to act. Sometimes we are walking a given pathway with a certainty that is misguided, and it is hard to turn on a dime. But turn on a dime we must, and as soon as we can get our stubborn wills to cooperate.
6 – The Outcome is Joy and Peace
We will say to our brothers and sisters what the Holy Spirit wants said. Then we will know both joy and peace.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Give me Your guidance, through the Holy Spirit, as I seek to help my brothers and sisters, and myself, today. You would never lead me astray, but the ego’s wily ways might confuse me. May I not know confusion today. May the words that I say to others, and to myself, be right on target with Your will. Make this happen, almost beyond myself, please.
I ask You to stay with me if the words seem embarrassing. I have felt this aspect of guidance, but carried out saying the words, and even then I was still embarrassed. My self-image was not the best at the time, and so I know that this was the “shabby self-image” of which Jesus speaks. I would leave that image behind, as I move into the Christ-consciousness that You would provide for me, when the time is right.
Help me to reach others today who may need to hear words of comfort. May I remain calm and peaceful, even in the midst of any brewing storm. And thank You for the blessings of this day already received.
Amen
MIRACLES EACH DAY 