Lesson 61
I am the light of the world.
I am the light of the world.
Who is the light of the world except God's Son? This, then, is merely
a statement of the truth about yourself. It is the opposite of a statement
of pride, of arrogance, or of self-deception. It does not describe the
self-concept you have made. It does not refer to any of the characteristics
with which you have endowed your idols. It refers to you as you were
created by God. It simply states the truth.
To the ego, today's idea is the epitome of self-glorification. But
the ego does not understand humility, mistaking it for self-debasement.
Humility consists of accepting your role in salvation and in taking
no other. It is not humility to insist you cannot be the light of the
world if that is the function God assigned to you. It is only arrogance
that would assert this function cannot be for you, and arrogance is
always of the ego.
True humility requires that you accept today's idea because it is God's
Voice which tells you it is true. This is a beginning step in accepting
your real function on earth. It is a giant stride toward taking your
rightful place in salvation. It is a positive assertion of your right
to be saved, and an acknowledgment of the power that is given you to
save others.
You will want to think about this idea as often as possible today.
It is the perfect answer to all illusions, and therefore to all temptation.
It brings all the images you have made about yourself to the truth,
and helps you depart in peace, unburdened and certain of your purpose.
As many practice periods as possible should be undertaken today, although
each one need not exceed a minute or two. They should begin with telling
yourself:
I am the light of the world.
That is my only function.
That is why I am here.
Then think about these statements for a short while, preferably with
your eyes closed if the situation permits. Let a few related thoughts
come to you, and repeat the idea to yourself if your mind wanders away
from the central thought.
Be sure both to begin and end the day with a practice period. Thus
you will awaken with an acknowledgment of the truth about yourself,
reinforce it throughout the day, and turn to sleep as you reaffirm your
function and your only purpose here. These two practice periods may
be longer than the rest, if you find them helpful and want to extend
them.
Today's idea goes far beyond the ego's petty views of what you are
and what your purpose is. As a bringer of salvation, this is obviously
necessary. This is the first of a number of giant steps we will take
in the next few weeks. Try today to begin to build a firm foundation
for these advances. You are the light of the world. God has built His
plan for the salvation of His Son on you.