1. Who is the light of the world except God’s Son? ²This, then, is merely a statement of the truth about yourself. ³It is the opposite of a statement of pride, of arrogance, or of self-deception. ⁴It does not describe the self-concept you have made. ⁵It does not refer to any of the characteristics with which you have endowed your idols. ⁶It refers to you as you were created by God. ⁷It simply states the truth.
2. To the ego, today’s idea is the epitome of self-glorification. ²But the ego does not understand humility, mistaking it for self-debasement. ³Humility consists of accepting your role in salvation and in taking no other. ⁴It is not humility to insist you cannot be the light of the world if that is the function God assigned to you. ⁵It is only arrogance that would assert this function cannot be for you, and arrogance is always of the ego.
3. True humility requires that you accept today’s idea because it is God’s Voice which tells you it is true. ²This is a beginning step in accepting your real function on earth. ³It is a giant stride toward taking your rightful place in salvation. ⁴It is a positive assertion of your right to be saved, and an acknowledgment of the power that is given you to save others.
4. You will want to think about this idea as often as possible today. ²It is the perfect answer to all illusions, and therefore to all temptation. ³It brings all the images you have made about yourself to the truth, and helps you depart in peace, unburdened and certain of your purpose.
5. As many practice periods as possible should be undertaken today, although each one need not exceed a minute or two. ²They should begin with telling yourself:
3I am the light of the world. 4That is my only function.
5That is why I am here.
⁶Then think about these statements for a short while, preferably with your eyes closed if the situation permits. ⁷Let a few related thoughts come to you, and repeat the idea to yourself if your mind wanders away from the central thought.
6. Be sure both to begin and end the day with a practice period. ²Thus 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. ³These two practice periods may be longer than the rest, if you find them helpful and want to extend them.
7. Today’s idea goes far beyond the ego’s petty views of what you are and what your purpose is. ²As a bringer of salvation, this is obviously necessary. ³This is the first of a number of giant steps we will take in the next few weeks. ⁴Try today to begin to build a firm foundation for these advances. ⁵You are the light of the world. ⁶God has built His plan for the salvation of His Son on you.
✨ Inspired by the core message of the Course:
"Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God."
This lesson comes from (A Course in Miracles). Hemelbewus presents it in Afrikaans as part of a path of inner healing and forgiveness. The translation was done with great care and dedication over several years by Henri Theron, and brings the deep spiritual teachings of the Course to Afrikaans-speaking readers.
Lesson 61: I am the light of the world. (ACIM, W-61)
