Good morning!
OK, even though Rev. Deb has referenced Chapter 17, Section VI, Setting the Goal innumerable times, I was led to do so this morning.
I will share a few salient excerpts now:
“In any situation in which you are uncertain, the first thing to consider, very simply, is “What do I want to come of this? What is it for?” The clarification of the goal belongs at the beginning, for it is this which will determine the outcome. In the ego’s procedure, this is reversed. The situation becomes the determiner of the outcome, which can be anything. The reason for this disorganized approach is evident. The ego does not know what it wants to come of the situation. It is aware of what it does not want, but only that. It has no positive goal at all.”
Paragraph 2, page 366 in the blue book.
Jesus continues by stating that if we don’t establish the goal for peace, well then, what happens if the ego will decide whether it likes what happened or does it “call for vengeance?” Paragraph 3, sentence 6.
If we decide we want peace above all else, we will “perceive the situation as a means to make it happen”. We will overlook whatever appears to have happened that we, meaning the ego, doesn’t like and focus on everything we can that will help us meet our objective. “The true becomes what can be used to meet the goal” as the Holy Spirit helps us to sort out the meaningless from the meaningful, the good and bad, duality, from truth, etc. Excerpts from paragraph 4 and my own paraphrasing.
Move on to paragraph 6 for excerpts.
“If the situation is used for truth and sanity, its outcome must be peace.” “Truth comes of itself. If you experience peace, it is because the truth has come to you and you will see the outcome truly, for deception cannot prevail against you. You will recognize the outcome because you are at peace.” “The Holy Spirit knows that the situation is as the goal determines it, and is experienced according to the goal.”
We are called to have faith. We accept His purpose. “Where the goal of truth is set, there faith must be. The Holy Spirit sees the situation as a whole.” “No one will fail in anything.” Paragraph 7.
Finally, Jesus is telling us that we continue on our path of setting the goal of peace, truth and faith in all situations, that we be faithful and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us or the ego will fragment any given situation and assure peace is not experienced, period.
OK, so why do I bother referencing this section?
Because as we practice lessons to which we experience enormous or some or minimal resistance, we can always remember our goal is peace. Absolutely.
For me, since the last three lessons are those I have intensely resisted, glancing through this setting the goal section was most beneficial. I needed to revisit it as I found I was listening to the ego telling me I “sucked” at practicing the lessons and I should just give up. Etc.
If we believe at the end of any given day, we have failed, done a “half-assed” job of application or could have/should have/would have done any practice period differently, the ego has directed our practice, period, end of story.
That’s judgment, that’s disharmony, that’s attack, that’s fragmentation and all of this is ego-driven and meets its criteria of thwarting/obscuring/blocking/sabotaging our quest for peace. The ego wants to maintain its existence above all and is focused on creating conflict, confusion, lack of clarity and chaos. Are we going to listen to its unloving voice or will we set the goal for peace with the Holy Spirit directing/leading our way?
I see no neutral things. I interpret everything I see/perceive through the eyes of truth or judgment.
Remember this throughout the day and enjoy your practice.
Set the goal for peace and see how simple working through the WB can be!
Much love,
Gayle
******************
Since you’re here… …we have a small favor to ask. More people are reading our posts, listening to our audios and watching our videos than ever before but far fewer are donating for it. As an all-volunteer ministry, you can see why we need to ask for your help. MiraclesOne provides ACIM resources freely however it takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe in encouraging others to practically apply the Course principles in their lives – because it might just make the one difference in your life. If everyone who reads, listens or watches and likes what we offer helps to pay for it we can continue to afford our expenses and keep our resources FREE to all ACIM Students. Monthly Donors receive free gifts in appreciation for their support.