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January-March, 2005

Accepting Christ’s Vision

by Revs. Robert and Mary Stoelting

One of the lessons we are currently working on is accepting the fact that if we think we have a problem, no matter what it looks like, we are forgetting to accept Christ’s vision. It does not matter whether the problem seems to be coming from someone else or whether it appears to be beyond our ‘control.’ We are learning that in every circumstance the reason we think there is a ‘problem’ is because we are looking at the situation through the filters of the ego’s thought system.

In Lesson 158 Jesus tells us, “Christ’s vision has one law. It does not look upon a body and mistake it for the Son whom God created. It beholds a light beyond the body; an idea beyond what can be touched, a purity undimmed by errors, pitiful mistakes, and fearful thoughts of guilt from dreams of sin. It sees no separation. And it looks on everyone, on every circumstance, all happenings and all events, without the slightest fading of the light it sees.” (W-158.7:1-5)

This seems like a pretty tall order — always seeing the pure Light of truth in every Son of God — always focusing on the eternal Love that is everyone’s reality, and recognizing consistently that the truth about every brother is unaffected by his mistaken thoughts of separation and his fearful projections of guilt.

As we continue on our daily practice of forgiveness and awakening to the truth, we are learning to recognize that this only seems like a tall order if we are still resisting the acceptance of Holy Spirit’s ongoing gifts. We are learning that at some level, we still want to on look at ‘others’ through the ego’s eyes if we continue to dwell on their errors and their mistakes. When we acknowledge what is going on in our minds, we are then in a position to ‘choose once again,’ this time with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The good news is that the Holy Spirit is always giving us the gift of Christ’s vision and, as we are ready and willing, we can accept this gift that is always there for us. We have to want Christ’s vision. We have to welcome it. Christ’s vision shows us our unity and equality with our brothers. Christ’s vision shows us we are one and the same. Where there is no conflict, there is peace.

But if we want to keep our individuality, our unique and special identity, we will not welcome Christ’s vision. It offers us happiness and peace beyond anything in this world, but we will not accept it if we treasure the little niche we have carved out of nothingness to call our own. The world of the ego is filled with battles in defense of these little niches. Or we feel that what we have is not enough and we want to get more. We would rather be right about the identity we have made for ourselves than accept the gift of joy offered us by Christ’s vision.

Jesus reassures us that with consistent practice, we can see beyond separation in every circumstance, all happenings and all events. But this takes a willingness to practice. Jesus tells us, “This lesson is not difficult to learn, if you remember in your brother you but see yourself. If he be lost in sin, so must you be; if you see light in him, your sins have been forgiven by yourself. Each brother whom you meet today provides another chance to let Christ’s vision shine on you, and offer you the peace of God.” (W-158.10:3-5)

Stepping Back

We are finding that we do not remember to accept Christ’s vision unless we are willing to consistently step back from the ego thought system. This stepping back takes diligent effort at first. When we get caught up in the ego’s world, it seems that there is no time left to ‘step back.’ It seems that, if we take the time that is needed, we will be missing out on something that is important. We will be neglecting all that we have to do on our busy ‘to do’ list. When we get caught up in the ego’s frame of mind, we also think we already know the best way to solve our problems. The merry-go-round of the world of separation seems to be unending and creates an endless list of problems that need to be attended to immediately.

We are finding that the endless list of problems will continue popping up until we are willing to spend the time to go within and let our minds quiet. In this quiet place we have the opportunity to view the world differently. We have the opportunity to accept Christ’s vision. “Christ has dreamed the dream of a forgiven world. It is His gift, whereby a sweet transition can be made from death to life; from hopelessness to hope. Let us an instant dream with Him. His dream awakens us to truth. His vision gives the means for a return to our unlost and everlasting sanctity in God.” (W-159.10:4-8)

In our daily practice we have found that sometimes we need an extra boost in order for us to get into the frame of mind where we can receive Christ’s vision. We asked for help with this and this is what we received:

Be gentle with yourself… Be kind to yourself on your journey of awakening… Relax… Soften and let the tension go… You need not hold on so tightly… You need not do this alone… Let yourself be carried…

Let yourself become aware that you are surrounded by the Love of God… You are surrounded by Heaven’s peace… Let it in… Take a while to breathe it in… Let yourself open up to the peace that is forever yours… Let yourself rest awhile in this peace…

Let yourself become aware of the truth that you have never left Heaven… You are still as God created you… You are still the Light of God… You have just been dreaming of something else… It is not there…

To make the transition easy, let Christ’s dreams replace your dreams… Let Christ show you the forgiven world… Let Christ show you your safety… and everyone’s safety… Nothing has changed to harm God’s Son… No one can harm or be harmed…

Listen in quiet… and accept Christ’s vision…

We have found this to be helpful to pave the way to the acceptance of Christ’s vision. Frequently reminding ourselves that our priority is to accept Christ’s vision pays with dividends of peace and happiness. Gradually we learn to discern more effectively what has value on our ‘to do’ list and what is valueless. There is less efforting and fretting. There is less and less doing in search of approval or to measure up to some self-imposed standard of performance.

We recognize these efforts as just reflections of a mistaken belief in limitation and lack. The more we accept Christ’s vision, the more we know that we are already complete because we were created complete. As our willingness to accept Christ’s vision grows, we remember that we always have what we need.

© 2005, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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