A Course in Miracles Text Made Simple

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Chapter 30: The New Beginning

Introduction & Section I. Rules for Decision

Read A Course in Miracles, Chapter 30, Introduction & Section I. (pages 625-629)

What is our focus in this chapter?

Our focus now is on a new beginning, where we practice the steps that lead us away from judgment and toward forgiving dreams. This new practice leads us away from dreams of fear. Our focus now is to develop new habits based on joining with the Holy Spirit instead of joining with the thoughts of the ego.

What do we do when we find that our resistance is strong?

Jesus tells us, “And if you find resistance strong and dedication weak, you are not ready. Do not fight yourself. But think about the kind of day you want, and tell yourself there is a way in which this very day can happen just like that. Then try again to have the day you want. The outlook starts with this: “Today I will make no decisions by myself.” (1:6-9, 2:1-2)

Because we have had the habit of identifying with the thoughts of the split mind that thinks independently of God, we do not know what is in our best interest. We have joined with thoughts that have made us think we were separate and alone. We have joined with thoughts that have made us think we were weak, vulnerable and unsafe. We have joined with fear thoughts and have thought they were valid and sure. Now we are focusing on a new beginning, where we step back from what we thought before.

What would help us to let go of deciding on our own?

Jesus gives us the following suggestions to tell ourselves when we forget:

“Throughout the day, at any time you think of it and have a quiet moment for reflection, tell yourself the kind of day you want; the feelings you would have, the things you want to happen to you, and the things you would experience, and say: “If I make no decisions by myself, this is the day that will be given me.” (4:1-2)  “I have no question. I forgot what to decide.” (6:4-5)  “At least I can decide I do not like what I feel now.” (8:2)  “And so I hope I have been wrong.” (9:2)  “I want another way to look at this.” (11:4) “Perhaps there is another way to look at this. What can I lose by asking?” (12:3-4)

What tells us that we have judged already?

Jesus knows how our mind automatically works while we are still under the influence of ego thoughts. We still want to think we already know and be right instead of receiving the happiness Holy Spirit brings us. This is why he tells us: “But there will still be times when you have judged already. Now the answer will provoke attack, unless you quickly straighten out your mind to want an answer that will work. Be certain this has happened if you feel yourself unwilling to sit by and ask to have the answer given you.” (5:1-3)

We have judged already if we feel anger, frustration, fear or anything other than the perfect peace and happiness that comes with joining with the Holy Spirit. When we feel any of these things we can recognize that we have judged already. We can then choose once again to step back and ask for Holy Spirit’s perspective. We do this by quietly opening our mind for His gift of peace until we will receive the peace we ask for. From this place of peace comes the understanding that will help us have the day of happiness and peace we really want.

Why does Jesus say our decisions are not made in isolation?

Jesus tells us that we are either making our decisions with the ego (choosing idols to replace the truth of oneness), or we are making decisions with the Holy Spirit, Who brings awareness of the truth of oneness to our minds. He tells us, “[Decisions] are made by you and your adviser, for yourself and for the world as well. The day you want you offer to the world, for it will be what you have asked for, and will reinforce the rule of your adviser in the world. Whose kingdom is the world for you today? What kind of day will you decide to have?” (16:6-9)

Jesus is encouraging us to join with the Holy Spirit when he tells us, “It needs but two [you and Holy Spirit] to understand that they cannot decide alone, to guarantee the joy they asked for will be wholly shared. For they [you and Holy Spirit] have understood the basic law that makes decision powerful, and gives it all effects that it will ever have. It needs but two. These two [you and Holy Spirit] are joined before there can be a decision. Let this be the one reminder that you keep in mind, and you will have the day you want, and give it to the world by having it yourself. Your judgment has been lifted from the world by your decision for a happy day. And as you have received, so must you give.” (17:2-8 italics added)

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