January 30, 2018

The idea of sin is an essential tool our egoic thought system uses to keep us trapped in our attachment to the idea of separation – that we are separate from each other and Oneness. It is a powerful idea that we are completely dedicated to. Even so, we remain attached to the idea even as we fear it. All the emotions we feel around the idea of sin keep us very conflicted and thus distracted from the reality of who we are. This all leads us to the conviction that we deserve punishment for our sins and our sinful nature. This idea has been drilled into our heads time after time again until we have become convinced we are irreversibly sinful, because we have come to believe that sin is eternal, and it cannot be corrected. Sound familiar? For some strange reason we find sinfulness and sim “attractive.” The Course asks us to change our mind about the idea of sin – to see sin differently as impossible and unreal. We are holy as is our Creator and so sin is an impossibility, no matter what we have come to believe.

The Course asks us to be open to the idea that we have made mistakes that are correctible. Even though correctible may not be attractive to our egoic thought system, it is an idea Spirit can work with when we are willing to allow our mistakes to be corrected. Mistakes call for correction and thus are a call for love. Where love is called for, love always answers.  Spirit does not understand the idea of unforgiveable sin and cannot punish sin. But Spirit understands mistakes, for mistakes are harmless and within the purview of Spirit. Spirit is entrusted with the recognition of mistakes and their correction. Mistakes call for correction and nothing else, and Spirit is happy to fulfill its holy function.

In time, the Holy Spirit clearly sees the Child of God can make mistakes. On this you share Spirit’s vision. Yet you do not share Spirit’s recognition of the difference between time and eternity. And when correction is completed, time is eternity. Spirit can teach you how to look on time differently and see beyond it, but not while you believe in sin. In error, yes, for this can be corrected by the mind. But sin is the belief that your perception is unchangeable, and that the mind must accept as true what it is told through it. If it does not obey, the mind is judged insane. The only power that could change perception is thus kept impotent, held to the body by the fear of changed perception which its Teacher, who is one with it, would bring. T-19.III.5:1-9

Understanding this difference is imperative to our continuing on this journey we have embarked on. This journey is the journey to return to the awareness of who we really are in Oneness. A return to the awareness of our wholeness, completeness and the awareness of our divine mature. The Course gives us this tip:

When you are tempted to believe that sin is real, remember this: If sin is real, both Source and you are not. If creation is extension, the Creator must have extended Them-self, and it is impossible that what is part of Them is totally unlike the rest. If sin is real, Source must be at war with Itself. Source must be split, and torn between good and evil; partly sane and partially insane. For Source must have created what wills to destroy Itself, and has the power to do so. Is it not easier to believe that you have been mistaken than to believe in this?   T-19.III.6:1-6

What would you believe? What do you really want? Are you content to be locked in the fear of irreversible sin and punishment? Take another path. Allow Spirit to show you there is nothing to fear, for any mistake in perception is easily corrected with the guidance of Spirit. Sin is completely unreal. Step into the peace that Spirit brings you as each and every mistake is shown a gentle correction and the peace of Heaven and eternity fill your mind.

January 23, 2018

The Course teaches us about the difference between sin and error because we have become so attached to the finality and power of the idea sin. It is a false and mistaken idea, but we need to learn that there is no such thing as sin and that we cannot be defiled in any way. Heaven cannot be defiled, and neither can we. Our journey in the world is to reawaken to our true essence – the One Holy Child of Oneness.

What is our true essence, who we really are? We are the One’s creation, clear and simple.  All the Creator creates is innocent, pure and holy. There is no exception. And what is not innocent, pure and holy cannot be real. This is plain and simple. Yet we have somehow got the mistaken idea that we are not as we are created. Out of this idea we have made mistakes, errors. But can we ever change the truth of who we really are? No matter how many mistakes we make, we can never make ourselves anything other than the Holy One we really are. An error is reversible, it can be corrected. But “sin”, were it possible, is irreversible. Our Creator has given us free will to make mistakes, to deceive ourselves, and even to use the power of our mind against ourselves. But we cannot sin. To sin would be to make ourselves something other than what we are, to change our essence, our reality. But there is nothing we can possibly do that would change who we really are. Do we really think we can destroy what the One created? To think so is arrogant. For how could anyone destroy what the One has created immortal? The idea of sinfulness is the cornerstone of the egoic thought system’s idea of separation. What better foundation of an idea against Oneness but one that seems to destroy what Oneness has created? The simple fact is that it can’t be done. The idea of sinfulness is only a mistaken one and it can always be corrected just by changing our mind and stepping into the awareness of who we really are. There, in that awareness, we find Oneness, the experience of love, peace and holiness that carries us home to joy and the knowledge of who we really are.

Do you choose to live in hell or Heaven?  This choice is for right now, this very moment. We can choose to see ourselves as “sinners”, having “sinned” and permanently made ourselves unacceptable to the One, needing someone outside of ourselves to make us acceptable. This idea is surely hell. Or, we can see ourselves as the One sees us, as we are created, only having made the mistake of perceiving ourselves as something other than who we really are, pure, innocent and holy. How could this be, for we are one with the One? The idea of “sin” is to say that the One is corruptible and can be defeated. But “sin” cannot be real because the Creator did not create sin. The One only created good. So the idea that we are “sinners” – that we are permanently damaged – is a mistake, an error. And errors can be corrected. We always have the choice to change our mind and see ourselves as we are created. Our separated mind, the idea that we are separate from Oneness at all, uses the idea of “sin” to keep us thinking we are permanently separate. It is the ultimate weapon of the egoic thought system. If we see “sin” as real, as truth, we cannot see Oneness as Oneness truly is, Truth. For two different truths cannot coexist. Would you not rather see “sinfulness” as simply a mistaken idea that is wholly correctable?

Choosing the Truth that Oneness is as Oneness is and that we are One with the One is as gentle and easy as walking through a mist and emerging into the sunlight. The choice is ours. We made up the idea that we are anything other than what we really are, and it is our choice whether to correct it or not. By not correcting the idea, we live in hell for the time being. But by just simply correcting our idea of separation to seeing ourselves as we really are, we step into the light of Heaven right now in this moment. It is our choice right now. Will you choose Heaven today? Spirit is waiting within us to guide us in this choice and step into the awareness of Heaven’s light.

January 16, 2018

Our egoic thought system is vey invested in the idea of sin. The idea of sin is a tool our egoic thought system uses to keep us invested in the mistaken idea that we are separate. The idea of sin is final and irreversible. There is no getting beyond or around it. It is fatal! The egoic thought system believes sin is uncorrectable. We are sunk, so to speak. Never mind that Spirit teaches that there is no such thing as sin and that we are sinless. Our own egoic thought system has convinced us that we are doomed to death because we are of a sinful nature and there is nothing that can possibly redeem us from its fate. The egoic thought system can be so dramatic. If we are created in the image of the One, then is the One also sinful and unredeemable? If not, then the opposite must be true; that we are created in the image of the One and therefore sinless as the One is. Our egoic thought system has deemed sin “truth” and, thus, made sin holy.

We then carry this idea into our relationships and judge each other and ourselves accordingly. Remember that making “special” is basically judging someone or something and making our happiness conditional on that someone or something. Deeming someone or something “sinful” is a sure-fire way to reinforce the idea of separation in our minds. To the egoic thought system, “sin” is the ultimate power that appears to be absolute. Is it any wonder we quake in our boots when the idea rears its ugly head? Do we dare entertain the idea that it is not true?

There is nothing in all the ego’s world that is more heavily defended than the idea that sin is real; the natural expression of what we have made ourselves to be, and thus what we are. To the ego, this is no mistake. For this is its reality; this is the “truth” from which escape will always be impossible. This is our past, our present and our future. For we have somehow managed to corrupt our Creator, and change our Creator’s Mind completely. Mourn, then, the death of the One, whom sin has killed! And this would be the ego’s wish, which, in its madness, believes it has accomplished.

Would you not rather that all this be nothing more than a mistake, entirely correctable, and so easily escaped from that its whole correction is like walking through a mist into the sun? For that is all it is. Perhaps you would be tempted to agree with the ego that it is far better to be sinful than mistaken. Yet think you carefully before you allow yourself to make this choice. Approach it not lightly, for it is the choice of hell or Heaven.   T-19.II.8:1-5

We do have a choice – Heaven or hell. Belief in sinfulness is faithlessness and that is surely separation and hell. Our choice, however, can be to have faith that sin is merely a mistake and wholly correctable. We can always look within to our Higher Holy Spirit Self for guidance. We can allow our minds to be changed from “sinfulness” to a belief that it is merely a mistake that can be corrected through the guidance of Spirit. For we are created Holy; whole, complete and divine. We are created incorruptible as we are one with the Holy One – inseparable in Oneness. Let this realization dawn in your mind and the love of all that is real and true will fill your mind with the awareness of who you really are. Allow the idea of “sin” to be corrected in your mind and awaken to the awareness of your divine being in Oneness with all of creation.

January 9, 2018

The Course tells us we are sinless. It also tells us there is no such thing as “sin” and “sin” is not real. Those of us who grew up in many of the Christian traditions were indoctrinated with the idea that we are inherently sinful, and because of that, God could not look upon us. Even though we were taught that we were created in God’s image and that God is Love, we were still permanently sinful in nature. The Course was sent to us to free us from that burden. If we could be sinful, then God would be sinful, for we are One with God. However, we are as God creates us. And since God is unchangeable, we are also unchangeable. The idea of sin is an egoic idea that is designed to keep us distracted from our true divine and holy nature. In a reality that is solely love, there can be nothing opposing love. The idea of sin is simply wrong and impossible.

So, why do we support this misperception? Our own egoic thought system uses this idea to keep us distracted from the reality of Oneness. It keeps us believing we are separate and apart from the truth about who we really are.

It is essential that error be not confused with sin, and it is this distinction that makes salvation possible. For error can be corrected, and the wrong made right. But sin, were it possible, would be irreversible. The belief in sin is necessarily based on the firm conviction that minds, not bodies, can attack. And thus, the mind is guilty, and will forever so remain unless a mind not part of it can give it absolution. Sin calls for punishment as error for correction, and the belief that punishment is correction is clearly insane.   T-19.II.1:1-6

Believing that we have a sinful nature leaves no room in our minds for any idea opposed to that idea. The conflict between the belief that we are sinful and the reality that we are divine and holy is dissonant and makes for confusion in our minds. It is insane to believe two conflicting ideas, and so we choose one idea over the other. Which idea is true? Most of us have chosen to believe the idea that we are sinful after a lifetime of reinforcement of that idea. What has that belief brought us? Since a sinful nature tells us we are damaged, we believe we are permanently damaged unless something outside us fixes us.

The Course tells us something different. The Course tells us we have done nothing more than believe a mistaken idea (sinfulness). Mistakes can be corrected. Reality has no room for even the idea of sin. In a reality that is whole, complete, perfect and unchangeable, there is no room for sin to even occur. Reality is full of love and peace. Sin is not of love and peace.

The Child of God can be mistaken; they can deceive themselves; they can even turn the power of their mind against themselves. But they cannot sin. There is nothing they can do that would really change their reality in any way, nor make them really guilty. That is what sin would do, for such is its purpose. Yet for all the wild insanity inherent in the whole idea of sin, it is impossible. For the wages of sin is death, and how can the immortal die?   T-19.II.3:1-6

Are we willing to see ourselves differently? Are we willing to even entertain the idea that we are not sinful? Even if we have believed this mistaken idea, we can correct that error if we choose. It may take some time, but to see ourselves as we truly are is worth it. We have everything within us that we need to show us we are divine in Oneness. Spirit is waiting within us for us to accept that willingness to change our mind and accept the truth about who we really are. We can set aside our attachment to the mistaken belief we are separate and allow Spirit to show us the divine and holy nature already within us waiting for our minds to recognize it is who we are. The Course tells us nothing real can be threatened. So, are we willing to let go of what we think is real and allow what is really real to rise in our minds? Let error be corrected and release all else that cannot be corrected because it is not real.

January 2, 2018

Faith is joining, and faithlessness is separation. Our belief that we are separate is a symptom of our faithlessness. As we journey in this world of separation, we are asked to have faith that we are really all joined – that we are all One in Oneness. There are no exclusions. Our relationships are where we put this faith into practice. The idea in which we need to have faith is the idea that we are whole, complete and free as we are created and that we are sinless. Every encounter and experience in this world is an opportunity to put this faith into practice. We have faith to look beyond the appearance of anyone and anything and see the reality of wholeness there. We have the faith to recognize the One Holy Child of God in each One. This takes practice. This takes faith.

I think faith is about recognizing and honoring the holy and divine within ourselves and each one of us as we journey back to the awareness of who we really are. When we choose to live the principles of A Course In Miracles, we choose to believe that the divine essence of each one of us is what we have faith is true. We choose to be guided by the Spirit within us – our Higher Holy Spirit Self. This guidance sorts out the confusing and competing thoughts in our mind and helps us see with new eyes the world around us. When we allow ourselves to see anew, the world is transformed in our mind and we see the reality of truth where we previously saw pain, hurt and suffering. Our hearts and minds are now beginning to see peace, joy and love rather than the misery we saw before. Then, we are clearer about what we are to do and say in this world to be truly helpful in healing the world.

Faith is as easily exchanged for knowledge as is the real world. For faith arises from the Holy Spirit’s perception, and is the sign you share it with Spirit. Faith is a gift you offer to the One Child of God through Spirit, and wholly acceptable to the Creator as to Spirit. And therefore, offered you. Your holy relationship, with its new purpose, offers you faith to give unto another. Your faithlessness has driven you and them apart, and so you do not recognize salvation in them. Yet faith unites you in the holiness you see, not through the body’s eyes, but in the sight of the One Who joined you, and in Whom you are united.   T-19. I.12:1-7

The holy instant is where we come together in a transformed perception, recognizing what is right now, and seeing anew what has always been One, but appeared separate. The misperceptions of the temporal world fade as we gaze with new eyes through new perception and begin to see the Oneness of which we all are. Can we live the Course and set aside our attachment to pain and suffering? Can we allow ourselves to follow Spirit’s guidance within and rise in the holy instant to the awareness that we are all whole and joined in Oneness – that we can only see our completeness when we include all Creation in our joining? In the holy instant we exchange our faithlessness for faith and begin to relate with each other in a new way. Look again at where your dedication lies and if it is eternal.

Let, then, your dedication be to the eternal, and learn how not to interfere with it and make it slave to time. For what you think you do to the eternal you do to you. Whom the One created as the One Child is slave to nothing, being sovereign of all, along with their Creator. You can enslave a body, but an idea is free, incapable of being kept in prison or limited in any way except by the mind that thought it. For it remains joined to its source, which is its jailer or its liberator, according to which it chooses as its purpose for itself.   T-19. I.16:7-5

Look within, then, to how you see another. This one could be your life partner, your friend, your boss, your coworker or someone you encounter on the street. Would you describe your relationship as having faith or faithlessness? Allow Spirit to awaken faith in your mind towards this one. Allow yourself to have faith that this one is One with you, is whole and complete as you are and that you share all there is in this eternity we find as we join in Oneness. This transformation is the return to the awareness of who you really are and who we all really are. Have faith that we are all One and we will remember we are all One in Oneness.