Lesson 158
Today I learn to give as I receive.
What we are, mind in Mind, sinless, created out of love and will always be this is not something we learn. It is knowledge that is in our mind and is in all minds. Therefore, this is not something that we give. And the revelation that we are one with God cannot be given and must come to each of us in time.
This time is determined by the mind itself, not taught, and the time is set already. It seems like we are living this life for the first time, but that is not true. Time seems to go in but one direction but that is not true either and this journey we are taking is already over we just don’t remember that.
“Time is a trick, a sleight of hand, a vast illusion in which figures come and go as if by magic. Yet there is a plan behind appearances that does not change. The script is written. When experience will come to end your doubting has been set. For we but see the journey from the point at which it ended, looking back on it, imagining we make it once again; reviewing mentally what has gone by.”
For a long time, I thought this was the most perplexing paragraphs in the Text. And I argued with it even as I began to understand it. Now, I am still not certain, but I don’t worry about it much. Knowing what this paragraph actually means is not going to help me wake up. Forgiving will, so that is what I give my attention to.
“Yet there is a vision which the Holy Spirit sees because the Mind of Christ beholds it too.”
What is Christ Vision?
“Christ’s vision has one law. It does not look upon a body, and mistake it for the Son whom God created.”
This means that when I am with anyone or thinking of anyone, I don’t judge their appearance or behavior or past. I know that we are sharing an experience of being bodies, but I know it isn’t true, that we are pure spirit, pure thought, that we are an Idea in the Mind of God. I might also express that as being Love, so I see them as Love and I feel love when I see them.
“And this you give today: See no one as a body. Greet him as the Son of God he is, acknowledging that he is one with you in holiness.”
Christ Vision is the way we forgive. I forgive the idea that my brother could be guilty of anything and instead see his perfect innocence and this is Christ Vision. And when I use Christ Vision to forgive his sins they are no more. “And all effects they seemed to have are gone with them, undone and never to be done.” And because in my brother I see myself, then forgiving him is how I forgive myself and understand that I have been forgiven.
Regina’s Tip
Today’s lesson begins with, “What has been given you? The knowledge that you are a mind, in Mind and purely mind, …” Mind is synonymous with consciousness, awareness or life-presence.
As you come across people today, regardless of whether you meet them in person, over the phone, on the Internet or you simply think of them, take a moment to acknowledge them as the same life that you are. Take a moment to appreciate the life that we are. Every person provides an opportunity to practice and extend this remembrance. Life is always present and available to be seen, regardless of … whatever.
My Thoughts
Regina suggests the simple practice of acknowledging each person as what they are in truth. I can see the value in this. This is the kind of thought I want to reinforce in myself and in all of the Sonship.
Manual for Teachers
“Any situation must be to you a chance to teach others what you are, and what they are to you.” So this tells me that everything in my life is used for this purpose. And teaching is a constant process.
These days I am very aware of this responsibility. Whatever I am doing, whatever seems to be going on in my life, I see it as a teaching/learning opportunity, and I do the best I can with it in that regard. So, I am teaching others what I am through my actions and words. I am also teaching myself what they are to me. Are they my dear brothers, part of my own Whole Self, or am I teaching myself they are separate from me, unimportant, my competitors for whatever it is I think I need to be happy? I am always either teaching us we are whole and one with each other, or I am teaching us both that we are separate and vulnerable in our separateness.
Text
T-13.III. 9: 2 2 But exempt no one from your love, or you will be hiding a dark place in your mind where the Holy Spirit is not welcome. 3 And thus you will exempt yourself from His healing power, for by not offering total love you will not be healed completely.
I found some dark place in my mind where I was hiding a judgment of someone. Because it was a ‘minor’ grievance, I thought it didn’t matter. But there are no minor grievances, there are just grievances. I can’t have that. I can’t have darkness in my mind. I gave that judgment to the Holy Spirit to remove from my mind. No grievance is worth holding onto because the cost is too steep. I will not exempt myself from the Holy Spirit’s healing power just so I can imagine my brother is less than perfect.
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