Daily Inspiration

Turning an Upset into a Gift

The centrality of open-mindedness, perhaps the last of the attributes the teacher of God acquires, is easily understood when its relation to forgiveness is recognized. ²Open-mindedness comes with lack of judgment. ³As judgment shuts the mind against God’s Teacher, so open-mindedness invites Him to come in. ⁴As condemnation judges the Son of God as evil, so open-mindedness permits him to be judged by the Voice for God on His behalf. ⁵As the projection of guilt upon him would send him to hell, so open-mindedness lets Christ’s image be extended to him. ⁶Only the open-minded can be at peace, for they alone see reason for it.

How do the open-minded forgive? ²They have let go all things that would prevent forgiveness. ³They have in truth abandoned the world, and let it be restored to them in newness and in joy so glorious they could never have conceived of such a change. ⁴Nothing is now as it was formerly. ⁵Nothing but sparkles now which seemed so dull and lifeless before. ⁶And above all are all things welcoming, for threat is gone. ⁷No clouds remain to hide the face of Christ.

⁶It is the function of God’s teachers to bring true learning to the world. ⁷Properly speaking it is unlearning that they bring, for that is “true learning” in the world. ⁸It is given to the teachers of God to bring the glad tidings of complete forgiveness to the world. ⁹Blessed indeed are they, for they are the bringers of salvation. (A Course in Miracles, M-4.X.1:1–2:7;3:6-9)

The ego’s chief defense against God’s Love is judgment. It closes the mind against the Thought of Love, which does not condemn. The opening lessons in the workbook begin the process of opening our minds to consider the possibility that there might be another way of perceiving the world. This is essential if we are to unlearn the ego thought system we have embraced.

The Course curriculum systematically introduces thoughts that help us welcome a new way of seeing—the vision of Christ. The last thing the ego wants is for us to be truly happy. The only thing the Holy Spirit wants is for us to remember God’s joy, given us in our Creation. This remembrance is our salvation, for it frees us from the ego’s denial of our true Identity.

Whenever anything disturbs our peace of mind, it is a signal that we have closed our mind against the truth. Truth sees no need to condemn nor defend. It sees only the eternal, changeless Love of God as our Identity. The awareness of a disturbance in our mind becomes a gift we give ourselves if we use it to step back and ask the Holy Spirit to help us see differently. With an open mind we will learn that, in truth, there is no cause for any threat to our peace of mind.

As we welcome the Holy Spirit’s lessons, our happiness and peace increase. We welcome God’s gifts and accept them as our own. We free ourselves to be as God created us.

Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.