You may not realize that the ego has set up a plan for salvation in
opposition to God’s. It is this plan in which you believe. Since it is
the opposite of God’s, you also believe that to accept God’s plan in
place of the ego’s is to be damned. This sounds preposterous, of course.
Yet after we have considered just what the ego’s plan is, perhaps you
will realize that, however preposterous it may be, you do believe it.
The ego’s plan for salvation centers around holding grievances. It
maintains that if someone else spoke or acted differently; if some
external circumstance or event were changed, you would be saved. Thus
the source of salvation is constantly perceived as outside yourself.
Each grievance you hold is a declaration, and an assertion in which you
believe, that says,“If this were different, I would be saved.” The
change of mind that is necessary for salvation is thus demanded of
everyone and everything except yourself.
The role assigned to your own mind in this plan, then, is simply to
determine what other than itself must change if you are to be saved.
According to this insane plan, any perceived source of salvation is
acceptable, provided that it will not work. This ensures that the
fruitless search will continue, for the illusion that although this hope
has failed there is still grounds for hope in other places and in other
things persists. Another person will yet serve better; another situation
will yet offer success.
Such is the ego’s plan for your salvation. Surely you can see how it is
in strict accord with the ego’s basic doctrine, “Seek but do not find?”
For what could more surely guarantee that you will not find salvation
than to channelize all your efforts in searching for it where it is not?
God’s plan for salvation works simply because, by following His
direction, you seek for salvation where it is. But if you are to
succeed, as God promises you will, you must be willing to seek there
only. Otherwise your purpose is divided, and you will attempt to follow
two plans for salvation which are diametrically opposed in all ways.
The result can only bring confusion, misery and a deep sense of failure
and despair.
How can you escape all this? Very simply. The idea for today is the
answer. Only God’s plan for salvation will work. There can be no real
conflict about this, because there is no possible alternative to God’s
plan that will save you. His is the only plan that is certain in its
outcome. His is the only plan that must succeed.
Let us practice recognizing this certainty today. And let us rejoice
that there is an answer to what seems to be a conflict with no
resolution possible. All things are possible to God. Salvation must be
yours because of His plan, which cannot fail.
Begin the two longer practice periods for today by thinking about
today’s idea, and realizing that it contains two parts, each making
equal contribution to the whole. God’s plan for your salvation will
work, and other plans will not. Do not allow yourself to become
depressed or angry at the second part; it is inherent in the first. And
in the first is your full release from all your own insane attempts and
mad proposals to free yourself. They have led to depression and anger.
But God’s plan will succeed. It will lead to release and joy.
Remembering this, let us devote the remainder of the extended practice
periods to asking God to reveal His plan to us. Ask Him very
specifically:
“What would You have me do?”
“Where would You have me go?”
“What would You have me say, and to whom?”
Give Him full charge of the rest of the practice period, and let Him
tell you what needs to be done by you in His plan for your salvation. He
will answer in proportion to your willingness to hear His Voice. Refuse
not to hear. The very fact that you are doing the exercises proves that
you have some willingness to listen. This is enough to establish your
claim to God’s answer.
In the shorter practice periods tell yourself often that God’s plan for
salvation, and only His, will work. Be alert to all temptation to hold
grievances today, and respond to them with this form of today’s idea:
“Holding grievances is the opposite of God’s plan for salvation.
And only His plan will work.”
Try to remember the idea for today some six or seven times an hour.
There could be no better way to spend a half-minute or less than to
remember the Source of your salvation, and to see it where it is.