Library of Christ Mind Teachings
ACIM Original Edition
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The answer to this question is much like the preceding one. There are,
of course, no “unnatural” powers, and it is obviously merely an appeal
to magic to make up a power that does not exist. It is equally obvious,
however, that each individual has many abilities of which he is unaware.
As his awareness increases, he may well develop abilities that seem
quite startling to him. Yet nothing he can do can compare even in the
slightest with the glorious surprise of remembering who he is. Let all
his learning and all his efforts be directed toward this one great final
surprise, and he will not be content to be delayed by the little ones
that may come to him on the way.
2 Certainly there are many “psychic” powers that are clearly
in line with this course. Communication is not limited to the small
range of channels the world recognizes. If it were, there would be
little point in trying to teach salvation. It would be impossible to do
so. The limits the world places on communication are the chief barrier
to direct experience of the Holy Spirit, Whose Presence is always there
and Whose Voice is available but for the hearing. These limits are
placed out of fear, for without them the walls that surround all the
separate places of the world would fall at the holy sound of His Voice.
Who transcends these limits in any way is merely becoming more natural.
He is doing nothing special, and there is no magic in his
accomplishments.
3 The seemingly new abilities that may be gathered on the way
can be very helpful. Given to the Holy Spirit and used under His
direction, they are valuable teaching aids. To this the question of how
they arise is irrelevant. The only important consideration is how they
are used. Taking them as ends in themselves, no matter how this is done,
will delay progress. Nor does their value lie in proving
anything—achievements from the past, unusual attunement with the
“unseen,” or special favors from God. God gives no special favors, and
no one has any powers that are not available to everyone. Only by tricks
of magic are special powers “demonstrated.”
4 Nothing that is genuine is used to deceive. The Holy Spirit
is incapable of deception, and He can use only genuine abilities. What
is used for magic is useless to Him, but what He uses cannot be used for
magic. There is, however, a particular appeal in unusual abilities which
can be curiously tempting. Here are strengths which the Holy Spirit
wants and needs. Yet the ego sees in these same strengths an opportunity
to glorify itself. Strengths turned to weakness are tragedy indeed. Yet
what is not given to the Holy Spirit must be given to weakness, for what
is withheld from love is given to fear and will be fearful in
consequence.
5 Even those who no longer value the material things of the
world may still be deceived by “psychic” powers. As investment has been
withdrawn from the world’s material gifts, the ego has been seriously
threatened. It may still be strong enough to rally under this new
temptation to win back strength by guile. Many have not seen through the
ego’s defenses here, although they are not particularly subtle. Yet,
given a remaining wish to be deceived, deception is made easy. Now the
“power” is no longer a genuine ability and cannot be used dependably. It
is almost inevitable that, unless the individual changes his mind about
its purpose, he will bolster its uncertainties with increasing
deception.
6 Any ability that anyone develops has the potentiality for
good. To this there is no exception. And the more unusual and unexpected
the power, the greater its potential usefulness. Salvation has need of
all abilities, for what the world would destroy, the Holy Spirit would
restore. “Psychic” abilities have been used to call upon the devil,
which merely means to strengthen the ego. Yet here is also a great
channel of hope and healing in the Holy Spirit’s service. Those who have
developed “psychic” powers have simply let some of the limitations they
laid upon their minds be lifted. It can be but greater limitations they
lay upon themselves if they utilize their increased freedom for greater
imprisonment. The Holy Spirit needs these gifts, and those who offer
them to Him and Him alone go with Christ’s gratitude upon their hearts,
and His holy sight not far behind.