LESSON 65 My only function is the one God gave me.

1. 1The idea for today reaffirms your commitment to salvation. 2It also reminds you that you have no function other than that. 3Both these thoughts are obviously necessary for a total commitment. 4Salvation cannot be the only purpose you hold while you still cherish others. 5The 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.

2. 1This is the only way in which you can take your rightful place among the saviors of the world. 2This is the only way in which you can say and mean, “My only function is the one God gave me.” 3This is the only way in which you can find peace of mind.

3. 1Today, 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 the idea for the day really means. 2Today’s idea offers you escape from all your perceived difficulties. 3It places the key to the door of peace, which you have closed upon yourself, in your own hands. 4It gives you the answer to all the searching you have done since time began.

4. 1Try, if possible, to undertake the daily extended practice peri­ods at approximately the same time each day. 2Try, also, to deter­mine this time in advance, and then adhere to it as closely as possible. 3The 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. 4This is part of the long-range disciplinary training your mind needs, so that the Holy Spirit can use it consistently for the purpose He shares with you.

5. 1For the longer practice period, begin by reviewing the idea for the day. 2Then close your eyes, repeat the idea to yourself once again, and watch your mind carefully to catch whatever thoughts cross it. 3At first, make no attempt to concentrate only on thoughts related to the idea for the day. 4Rather, try to uncover each thought that arises to interfere with it. 5Note each one as it comes to you, with as little involvement or concern as possible, dismissing each one by telling yourself:

6This thought reflects a goal that is preventing me from accepting my only function.

6. 1After a while, interfering thoughts will become harder to find. 2Try, however, to continue a minute or so longer, attempting to catch a few of the idle thoughts that escaped your attention before, but do not strain or make undue effort in doing this. 3Then tell yourself:

4On this clean slate let my true function be written for me.

5You need not use these exact words, but try to get the sense of being willing to have your illusions of purpose be replaced by truth.

7. 1Finally, 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.

8. 1In the shorter practice periods, which should be undertaken at least once an hour, use this form in applying today’s idea:

2My only function is the one God gave me. 3I want no other and I have no other.

4Sometimes close your eyes as you practice this, and sometimes keep them open and look about you. 5It is what you see now that will be totally changed when you accept today’s idea completely.