What’s the Problem?

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

How do you respond when an acquaintance comes to you asking advice concerning a problem? It's probably NOT a good idea to tell them they don't know what their actual problem is and, if they did, then they would recognize that the problem has been solved! I was visiting with someone who knows the veracity of this seeming-conundrum and we mentioned a number of people we know who have problems with drinking alcohol. Actually, it only seems as though alcohol is the problem, and they are thinking of it as the solution. Looking at their situations from the outside, it appears that they are holding on to guilt because of their actions (for example, wartime killing of others), or pain because of others' actions (e.g., abandonment by a mother), or any number of things we think of as human problems. I bring this up to illustrate a lesson from A Course in Miracles: There is only one problem, feeling separated from God -- hence, separate from everyone. And there is only one solution: realizing what the problem is, letting the miracle take over, and being willing to accept it. So, when someone asks my advice concerning a “problem” of theirs, I will pause and realize God's law of adjustment, which is already done. I will recognize that nothing needs fixing by me or anyone else. And by this understanding, I will see them as whole, upright, and free. With clear, non-judgmental thought, what they need to hear will come out of my mouth. Namaste…

“If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems. Your one central problem has been answered, and you have no other. Therefore, you must be at peace. Salvation thus depends on recognizing this one problem, and understanding that it has been solved. One problem, one solution. Salvation is accomplished. Freedom from conflict has been given you. Accept that fact, and you are ready to take your rightful place in God’s plan for salvation.” 

A Course in Miracles W-80.1:1-8

“Human reason and religion come slowly to the recognition of spiritual facts, and so continue to call upon matter to remove the error which the human mind alone has created.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 173:25-28