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You Find What You Seek - Faithfulness - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

You Find What You Seek - Faithfulness - ACIM - Manual for Teachers

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 Introduction to the Topic of Faithfulness: The discussion shifted to continuing the study of the characteristics of God for God's teachers. Jevon Perra identified that they were starting with "faithfulness," which is the ninth characteristic in the manual for teachers.Reading and Interpretation of Faithfulness: Brian Genovese read the passage defining faithfulness as the measure of a teacher's advancement and their complete trust in the word of God to "set all things right". Jevon Perra summarized that true faithfulness involves reversing the world's thinking entirely by surrendering all problems, not just some, to one answer.Application of Faithfulness to Daily Life: Jevon Perra admitted that while it is easy to discuss spiritual lessons, it is hard to apply them to daily life, noting they struggle with compartmentalizing spiritual principles away from "real world" issues like money or family stress. They recognized that attachment to any outcome brings suffering, and true faithfulness means trusting that all things are perfect. Soo Kim then joined the meeting.Challenges of Implementing Faithfulness: Brian Genovese commented that using these enlightened concepts in daily activities is the tough part, especially the concept of faithfulness. Jevon Perra pointed out that whether faithfulness is easy or tricky is determined by the individual, and they noted that Brian Genovese appeared easygoing on the outside but admitted to struggling internally.Personal Growth and Letting Go of Judgments: Jevon Perra shared that as they get older, their problems are not as deep, and they are increasingly able to catch themself in moments of stress and let go of judgments. They concluded that fulfillment and peace come from faithfulness, which involves letting go of resistance to how things are, even though struggle is inherent to physical existence.The Necessity of Drama and Struggle: Jevon Perra emphasized that nobody wants a life or a movie without challenge or suffering, which is necessary for a good story. Jevon Perra shared that a mistake in a novel they wrote was not including an antagonist, because drama is essential for a better story.Relating Personal Drama to Conflict: The conversation turned to the issue of personal drama, which Jevon Perra noted they try to avoid and often judges in others, leading to their own suffering. Jevon Perra provided the example of marital conflicts, which can escalate from a small issue, like a misplaced toothbrush, into a battle of disrespect and attacks.Addressing Family Conflict and Judgment: Jevon Perra shared a personal conflict with their mother, who they feel persistently takes advantage of them, leading to feelings of anger and frustration. They questioned why they hold on to the suffering-inducing judgment that their mother should have the capacity to do things for herself.Discussing Manipulation and Lack of Forgiveness: Brian Genovese related to Jevon Perra's experience, describing growing up with a depressive mother who knew how to manipulate their emotions. Brian Genovese shared that the childhood experience of walking on eggshells and being afraid to speak led them to cut their mother out of their life for the last 15 years, preventing her from ever knowing their daughter. Jevon Perra connected the lack of forgiveness to the belief in separation and noted that these irritations are "gifts" that reveal inner errors.Weakness and Strength Translation to Career: Jevon Perra observed that Brian Genovese's greatest strength—being gentle, kind, and considerate—can also be a weakness, making it difficult for them to aggressively pursue their goals. Brian Genovese acknowledged that this translated into their professional career, where they initially sought security over freedom but eventually forgave their mother and transitioned to real estate, which offered the freedom to volunteer and help others, an action they always felt they needed to do.The Futility of Seeking External Change: Jevon Perra concluded that suffering is not resolved by changing one's environment, job, or people, noting their recent experience of resigning from a job for freedom, only to find themself working harder. They realized that attachment to a better past or future state is part of the cycle of self-judgment.Deepening the Definition of Faithfulness: Brian Genovese read the concluding passage on faithfulness, which describes it as consistent, wholly honest, unswerving, full of trust, gentle, joyous, and tolerant. The passage concludes that faithfulness, which implies the acceptance of God's word, rests in quiet certainty on that alone to which all faithfulness is due.Separation vs. Connection and Identity: Jevon Perra discussed the difference between heaven (connectedness with God) and hell (separation), noting that the world one sees depends on whether they are using Christ's vision or their own. Jevon Perra illustrated how identity is often based on superficial comparison, using examples of ...
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