Commentary on ACIM Lesson 340

© 2010 Rev. David Seacord

Often, there is a purpose leading our lives that we can sense, but find that understanding it is beyond our current personal comprehension. Yet because we can feel it, it gives us 'a direction', and it provides us with a kind of gravity ballast that helps to keep us sane in the world. But it is only truly found when the memories of God that lie within us have been reawakened.... because it is only in God's memories that the specific details of our individual lives are available and recorded without any egoic agenda or influence.

This presents an interesting thought: Would we be able to recognize the version of us that lives in God's memories, or would that version be too much of a challenge for our ego to face? I mean, most of us would like to 'be a better person', but exactly how much better are we talking? Egoically, it seems there is always a bargaining going on.... offering to 'trade' God some good behavior for some advantage of choice.

Which brings me to my point.... which is simply to say that really, a fundamental basic of authentic spirituality is the practice of giving up 'holding onto an advantage', especially over another. This is exactly what Ram Dass was referring to when I quoted him in the past as saying "No real spiritual growth happens at another's expense".

When true spiritual awakening occurs, the unification of the universe in natural. In the unified view, why would anyone try to be superior to any other? That inference is seen as a false agenda of the ego. The only 'competition' that exists is within ourselves, in the sense of mastering the work of being our best. And that is because that is the foundation of our integrity, AND because each step towards our mastery adds to our Joy.

As 'Brother Lawrence' wrote, Joy is the proof of God's presence. And also, the proof that we near the reawakening of 'the memory of God'. But the greatest gift of Joy is the disappearance of doubt about our worth in this world. For being joyful automatically makes us into 'Gods gift to the world'.

Namaste,

David

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Lesson 340

I can be free of suffering today.

Father, I thank You for today, and for the freedom I am certain it will bring. This day is holy, for today Your Son will be redeemed. His suffering is done. For he will hear Your Voice directing him to find Christ's vision through forgiveness, and be free forever from all suffering. Thanks for today, my Father. I was born into this world but to achieve this day, and what it holds in joy and freedom for Your holy Son and for the world he made, which is released along with him today.

Be glad today! Be glad! There is no room for anything but joy and thanks today. Our Father has redeemed His Son this day. Not one of us but will be saved today. Not one who will remain in fear, and none the Father will not gather to Himself, awake in Heaven in the Heart of Love.