1. You may not realize that the ego has set up a plan for salvation in opposition to God\u2019s. \u00b2It is this plan in which you believe. \u00b3Since it is the opposite of God\u2019s, you also believe that to accept God\u2019s plan in place of the ego\u2019s is to be damned. \u2074This sounds preposterous, of course. \u2075Yet after we have considered just what the ego\u2019s plan is, perhaps you will realize that, however preposterous it may be, you do believe in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The ego\u2019s plan for salvation centers around holding grievances. \u00b2It maintains that, if someone else spoke or acted differently, if some external circumstance or event were changed, you would be saved. \u00b3Thus, the source of salvation is constantly perceived as outside yourself. \u2074Each grievance you hold is a declaration, and an assertion in which you believe, that says, \u201cIf this were different, I would be saved.\u201d \u2075The change of mind necessary for salvation is thus demanded of everyone and everything except yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. 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. \u00b2According to this insane plan, any perceived source of salvation is acceptable provided that it will not work. \u00b3This ensures that the fruitless search will continue, for the illusion persists that, although this hope has always failed, there is still grounds for hope in other places and in other things. \u2074Another person will yet serve better; another situation will yet offer success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Such is the ego\u2019s plan for your salvation. \u00b2Surely you can see how it is in strict accord with the ego\u2019s basic doctrine, \u201cSeek but do not find.\u201d \u00b3For 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. God\u2019s plan for salvation works simply because, by following His direction, you seek for salvation where it is. \u00b2But if you are to succeed, as God promises you will, you must be willing to seek there only. \u00b3Otherwise, your purpose is divided and you will attempt to follow two plans for salvation that are diametrically opposed in all ways. \u2074The result can only bring confusion, misery and a deep sense of failure and despair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. How can you escape all this? \u00b2Very simply. \u00b3The idea for today is the answer. \u2074Only God\u2019s plan for salvation will work. \u2075There can be no real conflict about this, because there is no possible alternative to God\u2019s plan that will save you. \u2076His is the only plan that is certain in its outcome. \u2077His is the only plan that must succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Let us practice recognizing this certainty today. \u00b2And let us rejoice that there is an answer to what seems to be a conflict with no resolution possible. \u00b3All things are possible to God. \u2074Salvation must be yours because of His plan, which cannot fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Begin the two longer practice periods for today by thinking about today\u2019s idea, and realizing that it contains two parts, each making equal contribution to the whole. \u00b2God\u2019s plan for your salvation will work, and other plans will not. \u00b3Do not allow yourself to become depressed or angry at the second part; it is inherent in the first. \u2074And in the first is your full release from all your own insane attempts and mad proposals to free yourself. \u2075They have led to depression and anger; but God\u2019s plan will succeed. \u2076It will lead to release and joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Remembering this, let us devote the remainder of the extended practice periods to asking God to reveal His plan to us. \u00b2Ask Him very specifically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3<\/sup>What would You have me do?<\/em> ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4<\/sup>Where would You have me go?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5<\/sup>What would You have me say, and to whom?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6<\/sup>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. 7<\/sup>He will answer in proportion to your willingness to hear His Voice. 8<\/sup>Refuse not to hear. 9<\/sup>The very fact that you are doing the exercises proves that you have some willingness to listen. 10<\/sup>This is enough to establish your claim to God\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. In the shorter practice periods, tell yourself often that God\u2019s plan for salvation, and only His, will work. \u00b2Be alert to all temptation to hold grievances today, and respond to them with this form of today\u2019s idea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3<\/sup>Holding grievances is the opposite of God\u2019s plan for salvation. 4<\/sup>And only His plan will work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5<\/sup>Try to remember today\u2019s idea some six or seven times an hour. 6<\/sup>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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