The idea for today reaffirms your commitment to salvation. It also
reminds you that you have no other function than this. Both of these
thoughts are obviously necessary for a total commitment. Salvation
cannot be the only purpose you hold while you still cherish others. The
full acceptance of salvation as your 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. This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place
among the saviors of the world. This is the only way in which you can
say and mean, “My only function is the one God gave me.” This is the
only way in which you can find peace of mind.
Today, and for a number of days to follow, set aside ten to fifteen
minutes for a more sustained practice period, in which you try to
understand and accept what today’s idea really means. It offers you
escape from all your perceived difficulties. It places the key to the
door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands.
It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time
began.
Try, if possible, to undertake the daily extended practice periods at
approximately the same time each day. Try, also, to determine this time
today in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible.
The purpose of this is to arrange your day so that you have set apart
the time for God, as well as for all the trivial purposes and goals you
will pursue. This is part of the long range disciplinary training which
your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for the
purpose He shares with you.
For this practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for today. Then
close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch your
mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it.
At first, make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the
idea for today. Rather, try to uncover each one that arises to interfere
with it. Note each one as it comes to you with as little involvement or
concern as possible, dismissing each one by
telling yourself:
“This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me from accepting my
only function.”
After a while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find. Try,
however, to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of
the idle thoughts which escaped your attention before, but do not strain
or make undue effort in doing this. Then tell yourself:
“On this clean slate, let my true function be written for me.”
You need not use these exact words, but try to get a sense of being
willing to have your illusions of purpose be replaced by truth.
Finally, repeat the idea for today once more and devote the rest of the
practice period to trying to focus on its importance to you, the relief
its acceptance will bring you by resolving your conflicts once and for
all, and the extent to which you really want salvation in spite of your
own foolish ideas to the contrary.
In the shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least
once an hour, use this form in applying today’s idea:
“My only function is the one God gave me. I want no other and I have
no other.”
Sometimes close your eyes as you practice, and sometimes keep them open
and look about you. It is what you see now that will be totally changed
when you accept today’s idea completely.