T-4.in:Introduction

1. 1The Bible says that you should go with a brother twice as far as he asks. 2It certainly does not suggest that you set him back on his journey. 3Devotion to a brother cannot set you back either. 4It can lead only to mutual progress. 5The result of genuine devotion is inspiration, a word which properly understood is the opposite of fatigue. 6To be fatigued is to be dis-spirited, but to be inspired is to be in the spirit. 7To be egocentric is to be dis-spirited, but to be Self-centered in the right sense is to be inspired or in spirit. 8The truly inspired are enlightened and cannot abide in darkness.

2. 1You can speak from the spirit or from the ego, as you choose. 2If you speak from spirit you have chosen to “Be still and know that I am God.” 3These words are inspired because they reflect knowledge. 4If you speak from the ego you are disclaiming knowledge instead of affirming it, and are thus dis-spiriting yourself. 5Do not embark on useless journeys, because they are indeed in vain. 6The ego may desire them, but spirit cannot embark on them because it is forever unwilling to depart from its Foundation.

3. 1The journey to the cross should be the last “useless journey.” 2Do not dwell upon it, but dismiss it as accomplished. 3If you can accept it as your own last useless journey, you are also free to join my resurrection. 4Until you do so your life is indeed wasted. 5It merely re-enacts the separation, the loss of power, the futile attempts of the ego at reparation, and finally the crucifixion of the body, or death. 6Such repetitions are endless until they are voluntarily given up. 7Do not make the pathetic error of “clinging to the old rugged cross.” 8The only message of the crucifixion is that you can overcome the cross. 9Until then you are free to crucify yourself as often as you choose. 10This is not the gospel I intended to offer you. 11We have another journey to undertake, and if you will read these lessons carefully they will help prepare you to undertake it.