Lesson 65
My only function is the one God gave me.
Often, we wonder what is our purpose for being here? Today’s lesson answers just that question. The one question we spend most of our lives, and many lifetimes, on a quest to answer.
“It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time began (ACIM Lesson 65 3:4).”
Hallelujah! Our search is over! It is that easy…yet not that easy at the same time. We have spent many lifetimes searching for meaning in the meaningless. The Course is a helpful tool in retraining the mind and today’s lesson provides just the help we need to break the habit of the cycle of searching that we created.
“The full acceptance of salvation as you 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 (ACIM Lesson 65 1:5).”
We cannot just give lip service to this function but must live it, be it, in order for it’s Truth to be shown to us. Today’s statement asks us once more to realize how deep our commitment to God is. Are we so committed that we are willing to let go of our will as it arises and choose again? Are we willing to abide patiently as our function unfolds? Are we willing to see that the opportunity to live our function is right in front of us, always?
I recall a few months ago at a local ACIM meeting, we were discussing ISIS. We were discussing how ISIS is a wonderful teacher to remind us to love more, not fear more, and how ISIS has given the world many opportunities to practice forgiveness. From a Course perspective, this is true. Yet, during our discussion it unfolded that often we, all of us, get caught up in the forgiveness lessons that are on TV or on the internet so much so that we ignore, probably subconsciously, the forgiveness lessons that are right in front of us in our families, friends, co-workers, etc. It is a slight move of the ego but we can get lost in the forgiveness of the world and lose sight of practicing our function with what is in our homes or back doors.
I say this as today we turn another corner on our walk together. The practice periods are asked to be a bit longer and there is an invitation to try to plan a specific time each day for the longer practice period. Our commitment is being called upon. Thus, let us use these lessons to become wiser and face our function head on with no distractions, allowing other functions to fall away and noticing those subtle ways in which our one function seems to be halted, for it is only you stopping you.
“Today’s idea offers you escape from all your received difficulties. It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands (ACIM Lesson 65 3:2-3).”
In your quiet time, begin to notice the ways in which you hold the door closed to peace. Where do you live other functions? What other functions are you holding on to? There is only goodness to be gained here with these insights.
There is a story in the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda in the chapter regarding the Levitating Saint, Bhaduri Mahasaya. It is told that a follower of the saint came up to him one day and said how amazed he was that the saint was able to give up all earthly possessions and live a life dedicated to God. Oh, how the saint gave up so much in the eyes of this gentleman! Mahasaya came from a wealthy family and to this gentle follower it appeared as though the Levitating Saint renounced a great deal to follow God and teach others wisdom. Mahayasa gave a beautiful reply to this fellow:
“You are reversing the case! The saint’s face held a mild rebuke. “I have left a few paltry rupees, a few petty pleasures, for a cosmic empire of endless bliss. How then have I denied myself anything? I know the joy of sharing the treasure. Is that a sacrifice? The shortsighted worldly folk are verily the real renunciants! The relinquish an unparalleled divine possession for a poor handful of earthly toys!” (Yogananda 72)
We deny ourselves nothing when we claim our only function given to us by God. All there is to gain is peace. And isn’t that what we are truly after? When we search for our purpose in our existence, are we not truly asking for the suffering in our hearts to stop and to finally be happy and fulfilled and peaceful? Something deep within us knows that there is a different way to live and to be in this world. This is the Holy Spirit reminding you that, indeed, there is. Just live the function given of God and you shall have it and need nothing more, search for nothing more.
“This is the only way in which you can find peace of mind (ACIM Leson 65 2:3).”
Walk in your knowing today. Walk in your mastery. Walk in your God Self. The miracle is the shift from your function to Your function. And remember there is only ONE function.
I honor your remembrance of your function. As you take time today to allow that function to arise, you make the world that much brighter with your Light. Thank you for playing your part for the salvation of the world. As that is truly the way to World Peace.
Namaste.
References:
Yogananda, Paramahansa. Autobiography of a Yogi. Los Angeles: Self Realization Fellowship, 2015. Print.