Lesson 65
My only function is the one God gave me.
W-pI.65.1. The idea for today reaffirms your commitment to salvation. 2 It also reminds you that you have no function other than that. 3 Both these thoughts are obviously necessary for a total commitment. 4 Salvation cannot be the only purpose you hold while you still cherish others. 5 The full acceptance of salvation as your only function necessarily entails two phases; the recognition of salvation as your function, and the relinquishment of all the other goals you have invented for yourself.
Yesterday, we committed to our function which is forgiveness. Today, we are being asked to commit even more deeply. Not only are we to be committed to forgiveness as our function, we will have no other functions. This seems to be an impossible commitment when we think about living our life here. We have things to do and places to go. There are things that we cannot ignore.
But there is a way that we can live our lives fully, and still be true to our commitment that salvation is our only function. Here is an example. Today, I have two Zoom meetings and another by phone. I also have to be here for a representative from Lowes to give me a quote on replacing some windows. I have to keep up with the time and I have a purpose in those meetings.
These meetings are just things that are happening and I do those things. At the same time, I am forgiving and forgiveness is my true purpose, my true function. The meetings and all that is said and done and accomplished are not my function, but rather they are the environment that provides opportunities for forgiveness. I don’t have to change anything in my life in order for me to accomplish my function. I just have to remember what it is for.
W-pI.65.2. This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place among the saviors of the world. 2 This is the only way in which you can say and mean, “My only function is the one God gave me.” 3 This is the only way in which you can find peace of mind.
It takes a lot of practice and awareness to accomplish our function. For instance, if I think that my purpose in the meeting with the Lowes representative is to get these windows replaced and at a price I can afford, then my attitude will reflect that goal. I will see this man as an enemy whose goals are in conflict with mine. He wants to make a sale and earn more money for his company and so to establish his value with them. My goal is to save money while getting what I think I need.
If, on the other hand, I choose to make peace my goal and to remember my function is the salvation of the world, I will see this meeting as a way to make that happen. Right away, my attitude is one of love and joining. I will watch my mind as we converse and if I see myself becoming defensive, I will breathe and relax and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me in our conversation and to remind me of my only function. I will want what is in his best interest as much as I want what is in my best interest rather than making this a competition. I will watch the situation unfold, all the time being aware of any thoughts or feelings on my part that need to be forgiven.
W-pI.65.3. Today, and for a number of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen minutes for a more sustained practice period, in which you try to understand and accept what the idea for the day really means. 2 Today’s idea offers you escape from all your perceived difficulties. 3 It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands. 4 It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time began.
To have all of this, I only need to remember my function in everything I do. I might have to say not to the salesperson. That will be in his best interests, too, because all things are lessons God would have us learn. If I am aware of my function when I say no, I won’t be doing so from a fearful or resentful perspective. I will just be shutting the door on that plan and waiting to see what comes next. If I am upset, I will be grateful for the opportunity to let go of another trigger and so walk through the door of peace.
W-pI.65.4. Try, if possible, to undertake the daily extended practice periods at approximately the same time each day. 2 Try, also, to determine this time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible. 3 The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart the time for God, as well as for all the trivial purposes and goals you will pursue. 4 This is part of the long-range disciplinary training your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for the purpose He shares with you.
I remember when taking time for God was something I sometimes did and sometimes remembered, but that time is in the past. My life is dedicated to God now and I seldom go much time at all that I am not in some way placing my awareness on God. I do it as I watch my mind for ego thoughts. I do it as I choose forgiveness rather than attack. I do it as I feel gratitude or as love fills my heart.
W-pI.65.5. For the longer practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for the day. 2 Then close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch your mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it. 3 At first, make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea for the day. 4 Rather, try to uncover each thought that arises to interfere with it. 5 Note each one as it comes to you, with as little involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each one by telling yourself:
6 This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me from accepting my only function.
I emphasize the importance of noticing interfering thoughts rather than trying to control thoughts. We don’t decide on thoughts, they just show up. Where we can be effective is in deciding if we want to believe these thoughts or if we want to ask the Holy Spirit for another way to see the situation. My practice used to be tiring and sometimes upsetting because I judged my thoughts and judged myself for having them. I don’t do that anymore. I just notice them and decide what to do with them without judgment and now my practice is simple and often fun.
W-pI.65.6. After a while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find. 2 Try, however, to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of the idle thoughts that escaped your attention before, but do not strain or make undue effort in doing this. 3 Then tell yourself:
4 On this clean slate let my true function be written for me.
5 You need not use these exact words, but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illusions of purpose be replaced by truth.
Ah, this idea of my mind being a clean slate has always been inspiring to me. I love the thought that I am erasing what I no longer desire and then watching to see what takes its place. I wrote the original thought using my ego-mind, but my real thoughts are not associated with the ego so they can be surprising to me, and always peaceful and loving and appear without effort. They are my true thoughts and they are the thoughts I think with God. How exciting!
W-pI.65.7. Finally, repeat the idea for today once more, and devote the rest of the practice period to trying to focus on its importance to you, the relief its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts once and for all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in spite of your own foolish ideas to the contrary.
W-pI.65.8. In the shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least once an hour, use this form in applying today’s idea:
2 My only function is the one God gave me. 3 I want no other and I have no other.
4 Sometimes close your eyes as you practice this, and sometimes keep them open and look about you. 5 It is what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept today’s idea completely.
I am filled with gratitude as I think about how much I will accomplish for the Sonship today as I practice my lesson.