The answer to this question is much like the preceding one. There are,
of course, no “unnatural” powers, and it is obviously merely an appeal
to magic to make up a power that does not exist. It is equally obvious,
however, that each individual has many abilities of which he is unaware.
As his awareness increases, he may well develop abilities that seem
quite startling to him. Yet nothing he can do can compare even in the
slightest with the glorious surprise of remembering Who he is. Let all
his learning and all his efforts be directed toward this one great final
surprise, and he will not be content to be delayed by the little ones
that may come to him on the way.

Certainly there are many “psychic” powers that are clearly in line with
this course. Communication is not limited to the small range of channels
the world recognizes. If it were, there would be little point in trying
to teach salvation. It would be impossible to do so. The limits the world
places on communication is the chief barrier to direct experience of the
Holy Spirit, Whose Presence is always there and Whose Voice is available
but for the hearing. These limits are placed out of fear, for without
them the walls that surround all the separate places of the world would
fall at the holy sound of His Voice. Who transcends these limits in any
way is merely becoming more natural. He is doing nothing special, and
there is no magic in his accomplishments.

The seemingly new abilities that may be gathered on the way can be very
helpful. Given to the Holy Spirit, and used under His direction, they
are valuable teaching aids. To this, the question of how they arise is
irrelevant. The only important consideration is how they are used. Taking
them as ends in themselves, no matter how this is done, will delay
progress. Nor does their value lie in proving anything; achievements
from the past, unusual attunement with the “unseen,” or special favors
from God. God gives no special favors, and no-one has any powers that
are not available to everyone. Only by tricks of magic are special
powers “demonstrated.”

Nothing that is genuine is used to deceive. The Holy Spirit is incapable
of deception, and He can use only genuine abilities. What
is used for magic is useless to Him, but what He uses cannot be used for
magic. There is, however, a particular appeal in unusual abilities which
can be curiously tempting. Here are strengths which the Holy Spirit
wants and needs. Yet the ego sees in these same strengths an opportunity
to glorify itself. Strengths turned to weakness are tragedy indeed. Yet
what is not given to the Holy Spirit must be given to weakness, for what
is withheld from love is given to fear and will be fearful in
consequence.

Even those who no longer value the material things of the world may
still be deceived by “psychic” powers. As investment has been withdrawn
from the world’s material gifts the ego has been seriously threatened.
It may still be strong enough to rally under this new temptation to win
back strength by guile. Many have not seen through the ego’s defences
here, although they are not particularly subtle. Yet, given a remaining
wish to be deceived, deception is made easy. Now the “power” is no
longer a genuine ability, and cannot be used dependably. It is almost
inevitable that, unless the individual changes his mind about its
purpose, he will bolster its uncertainties with increasing deception.

Any ability that anyone develops has the potentiality for good. To this
there is no exception. And the more unusual and unexpected the power,
the greater its potential usefulness. Salvation has need of all
abilities, for what the world would destroy the Holy Spirit would
restore. “Psychic” abilities have been used to call upon the devil,
which merely means to strengthen the ego. Yet here is also a great
channel of hope and healing in the Holy Spirit’s service. Those who have
developed “psychic” powers have simply let some of the limitations they
laid upon their minds be lifted. It can be but greater limitations they
lay upon themselves if they utilize their increased freedom for greater
imprisonment. The Holy Spirit needs these gifts, and those who offer them
to Him and Him alone go with Christ’s gratitude upon their hearts, and
His holy sight not far behind.