Chapter 4.VIII – The Rewards of God (paragraphs 1 – 11)

April 14, 2021

The process of correction of misperception to accurate perception is only part of our journey. We need to understand that right perception is a “stepping-stone toward [knowledge].” (1:2) Perception correction therefore must lead to the understanding that perception is not necessary. Thus, it removes the blocks to knowing our brother, God, and ourselves.

Jesus understands the dilemma we find ourselves in in conjunction with this. “You may ask how this is possible as long as you appear to be living in this world.” (2:1) What are we really asking with this question? It is the eternal question is it not? Who am I? As long as I believe in my identity as the ego dictates, I need perception— what I can see, hear, smell, and touch—to navigate.

In response to this, Jesus asks us to reflect upon the question, “What is the ‘you’ who are living in this world” (2:4) He asks us to keep our mind open to the possibility of reality that is different from a physical being in the world that we are aware of. He uses examples of different orders of reality that we already may be open to such as “invisible realities or varying densities of energy.” (3:2,3)

We experience ourselves as the identity the ego has given us and Jesus says, “The ego is nothing more than a part of your belief about yourself.” (7:1) The other part remains unaffected by our attempts to dissociate or disengage from it. This is who we really are, the part that knows its immortal, eternal nature. It is our dissociation from this part of ourselves that makes it possible to believe in our existence as bodies in this world.

When we open our minds to the possibility of a different reality, Jesus wants us to “think or yourself as a distinct consciousness, capable of direct communication with the Creator of that consciousness. You must think of yourself as a very powerful receiving and sending channel.” (8:2-3)

The debt we owe our brother is to know him. We have used perception to misperceive and miscreate him. The graciousness of this debt brings holy perception into play, and we “come as close to knowledge as perception ever can. This gap (between perception and knowledge) is so small knowledge can easily flow across it and obliterate it forever.” (9:4,5)

The results of turning “more and more often to [Jesus] instead of to the ego for guidance” (10:1) in perceiving our brothers, are peace and joy rather than chaos and disaster. We all prefer less painful learning outcomes. The choice becomes easy then. Each experience of a peaceful, joyful outcome causes us to turn to Jesus and with that the ego is undone.

Reflection:

When you have a spare chunk of time today try to take about 30 minutes to reflect.

Sit quietly and repeat Here I am.

Say it a few times.

Open your mind to the fact that “here” means you are a distinct consciousness, (the part of you that knows its immortal eternal nature,) capable of direct communication with the Creator of that consciousness.

Reflect on what it means to be a powerful receiving and sending channel.

Suggested Practice:

I make the only sane choice to turn to Jesus as my guide today and thus undo the ego.