A Course In Miracles from My Perspective

July 16th 2015  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 function other 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'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.

• Intention:   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 the day really means.  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 adhere to it as closely as possible.  The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart tie 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.  
    
• Practice:  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.
    
• Application:   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 ope and look about you.  It is what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept today's idea completely.
            
  

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Insights/comments:

• We are the light of the world, therefore our function is to be a light unto the world.  This is the only function given us by our Creator.  Our forgiveness is the means by which we light the world, and fulfilling our function is the source of happiness, therefore forgiveness is the source of our happiness.  So, again: 
    
   Forgive yourself
  for all the things you did or didn’t do; that you thought you should or shouldn’t do,
  forgive yourself; give yourself a break; let yourself off the hook;
  give yourself the chance to make corrections,
  and allow that higher power (Creator) within you
  to guide you in this ongoing process of recreating yourself.
  And forgive another
  Let them off the hook, give them the chance to make corrections.
  Know that everyone without exception is doing the very best they can, and
  know that everyone without exception is suffering in some way.
  This engenders compassion and patience within us.
  And Forgive everyone everything!
  Let go of the need to blame or to punish,
  Let go of the need to be right and for another to be wrong.
  Let go of guilt and shame.
  Let go of all of that, and rejoice in your uniqueness.
  In all of creation, there’s only one of you.
  This means that you are special and valuable beyond measure,
  but it also means that everyone else is special and valuable too.
  Though we come from and share the same Source,
  we are all special and valuable in our own ways.
  Remember that you are loved and cared for —
  Life loves you; Life cares for you; Life values you, always!
  All of life benefits from your presence and from your experience!
  Remember that everyday is another opportunity to
  express the Divinity within you.
  Be kind to yourself and good; be kind and good to all others as well.
   

I and my Creator are One.