A Course in Miracles Text Made Simple

To gain the most from A Course in Miracles Text Made Simple, we recommend that
you read the corresponding chapter and section in the Text of the Second or
Third Edition of A Course in Miracles published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.

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Chapter 12: The Holy Spirit's Curriculum

Section IV: Seeking and Finding

Read ACIM Chapter 12, Section IV (pages 223-25)

Why is the ego afraid of Love?

The ego is afraid of Love because Love is oneness. If we accept the oneness of Love, we will give up belief in separation, which is the end of the ego. So of course the ego would not want to find what would bring its end. Yet because Love is what we are, the perception of the absence of Love that comes with belief in separation inevitably stimulates a search to fill the lack.

What does the ego offer as substitutes for Love?

Since the ego cannot tolerate successfully finding Love, it offers myriad substitutes. These substitutes can be very appealing. If we accept the ego’s substitute for Love, which is really just specialness, we become confused about what Love is and do not recognize It. The ego’s substitute may be an adoring partner or a fancy car, high status in the community or simply someone’s acceptance of something we do. Yet because these are substitutes for Love and not the real thing, the satisfaction we experience when we receive them is always temporary and insufficient.

The good news is that we can change our mind. Jesus tells us, “Yet it is also your mind that has the power to deny the ego’s existence, and you will surely do so when you realize exactly what the journey is on which the ego sets you.” (2:6) The ego’s journey is hopeless and will always lead to “futility and depression.” Yet the Holy Spirit offers us a different journey that is guaranteed to lead to real and eternal joy. Sooner or later we all will become dissatisfied with the ego’s offering because it leads away from our real Home in the oneness of universal Love. The Holy Spirit guides us to find that universal Love where it can be found, which is within. “...He will guide you to your home because that is His mission.” (5:5)

Why is our mission the same as the Holy Spirit’s mission?

It is significant to understand that our mission is the same as the Holy Spirit’s mission. The Holy Spirit teaches us our mission. “By guiding your brothers home you are but following Him.” (5:7) When we remember that every brother is like our Father, we help him and ourselves remember the truth and return Home. But to do this we must be willing to relinquish our investment in death, which is our desire to be separate and unique. Oneness is all around us but we will not see it until we accept that only oneness is true.

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