Lesson 61: I am the light of the world
This is a significant lesson because it showcases our real significance.
Let's start with the last two sentences in this lesson: "You are the light of the world. God has built His plan for the salvation of His Son on you."
That is how important and critical you are.
But this lesson warns us not to fall prey to the ego's interpretation of this. The ego will tell us: "You see - that's how special you are! You are better than so many others - if not better than everyone. God built his plan on YOU."
Of course, this is the ego's version of YOU. Your body, your personality, your skills, and so forth.
But when the course uses the word YOU - and this is true throughout all 3 books - the YOU never means you as a body. It means YOU as a decision-making mind.
Our bodies, our personalities - they were made by the ego to prove that we are real, that we can suffer, and that it's not our fault.
But the YOU the course talks about is in the mind. And when we return our awareness to the mind and choose against the ego, our bodily identification begins to dissolve. And what is left is the radiant light of love.
That's why we are the light of the world. Because when we return to our mind and choose the right mind of the holy spirit, we not only merge with light and love, we BECOME light and love.
And so this lesson helps us (a) remember how important our function is and (b) to always be aware of how the ego will try to trip us up.
You ARE the light of the world. That IS your only function. That is WHY you are here.
Lesson 61: I am the light of the world.
W-pI.61.1. Who is the light of the world except God's Son? This, then, is merely a statement of the truth about yourself. It is the opposite of a statement of pride, of arrogance, or of self-deception. It does not describe the self-concept you have made. It does not refer to any of the characteristics with which you have endowed your idols. It refers to you as you were created by God. It simply states the truth.
W-pI.61.2. To the ego, today's idea is the epitome of self-glorification. But the ego does not understand humility, mistaking it for self-debasement. Humility consists of accepting your role in salvation and in taking no other. It is not humility to insist you cannot be the light of the world if that is the function God assigned to you. It is only arrogance that would assert this function cannot be for you, and arrogance is always of the ego.
W-pI.61.3. True humility requires that you accept today's idea because it is God's Voice which tells you it is true. This is a beginning step in accepting your real function on earth. It is a giant stride toward taking your rightful place in salvation. It is a positive assertion of your right to be saved, and an acknowledgment of the power that is given you to save others.
W-pI.61.4. You will want to think about this idea as often as possible today. It is the perfect answer to all illusions, and therefore to all temptation. It brings all the images you have made about yourself to the truth, and helps you depart in peace, unburdened and certain of your purpose.
W-pI.61.5. As many practice periods as possible should be undertaken today, although each one need not exceed a minute or two. They should begin with telling yourself:
I am the light of the world. That is my only function. That is why I am here.
Then think about these statements for a short while, preferably with your eyes closed if the situation permits. Let a few related thoughts come to you, and repeat the idea to yourself if your mind wanders away from the central thought.
W-pI.61.6. Be sure both to begin and end the day with a practice period. Thus you will awaken with an acknowledgment of the truth about yourself, reinforce it throughout the day, and turn to sleep as you reaffirm your function and your only purpose here. These two practice periods may be longer than the rest, if you find them helpful and want to extend them.
W-pI.61.7. Today's idea goes far beyond the ego's petty views of what you are and what your purpose is. As a bringer of salvation, this is obviously necessary. This is the first of a number of giant steps we will take in the next few weeks. Try today to begin to build a firm foundation for these advances. You are the light of the world. God has built His plan for the salvation of His Son on you.