Workbook · Part I
Lesson 25
I do not know what anything is for.
What this lesson is saying
Today’s idea is: “I do not know what anything is for.” In ordinary English: You do not know what anything is for. Purpose is given, not invented on the fly.
The idea is a sentence to use, not a theory to admire. It works where a story is running: a judgment of someone, a judgment of yourself, a belief that you are separate, an attack thought, a situation you have already decided about. Point the words there.
You do not have to believe it first. You use the words on one real judgment — of someone, of yourself, of a situation — and then you take the next ordinary step.
This is not saying
This is not a slogan for the day and not a request that you believe it first. Use it. Then take the next ordinary step — work, rest, a clear no, a kindness.
Why this can change a day
A spiritual idea that never touches a real person is how the ego stays in charge. Used on one encounter, it can undo a whole afternoon of ranking, defense, and self-attack.
In your day
Same idea, three ordinary places — a relationship or encounter, the case against yourself, and a situation at work or at home. You do not need a special mood.
With someone
The year, or the sitting, feels finished — a certificate, a rest from seeing, judgment can come back.
What to do
Say the words as written: “I do not know what anything is for.” This instant — not a diploma. Give it. You will take it back when the judgment starts. Give it again. The commentary ends. The practice does not.
Toward yourself
You know what they should do with their life — their path, their lesson, what they deserve.
What to do
Say the words as written: “I do not know what anything is for.” You do not know what anything is for. Become a passerby. Bless first. Help if help is real. Correction as superiority is not the lesson.
At work, at home, or in a situation
An ex, an old friend, a name you still use as a wound.
What to do
Say the words as written: “I do not know what anything is for.” Remember the event if you must. Stop using it as the law of now. This person is not that hour. You do not have to call them.
Two voices in the same mind
Hear which one is running. Then today’s idea, on a real person — or on you.
Unloving thought
I know what this person is for. Their job is to complete me, agree with me, or stay out of my way.
Jesus’s way
You do not know what anything is for. Playing God about anyone’s path is unqualified. Become a passerby. Patience often shows that what looked bad was not.
Spalding · 2019 · episode #223
Jesus’s commentary for Lesson 25
Tina reads the official workbook lesson first. Then she channels. The video is the source. The notes below are study notes of that sitting — not a transcript, and not A Year of Forgiveness.
After the reading
In the video · Jesus speaking
This is the channeled portion — after Tina has read the lesson. Study notes of that sitting. Not a transcript.
- You do not know what anything is for.
- Playing God about other people’s paths is unqualified.
- Become a passerby.
- Patience often shows that what looked bad was not.
How to sit today
Part I · Undoing
The idea is above. This is the one sitting this number asks — how often, how long, and the words. Not a second lesson.
- How often
- Six practice periods
- How long
- Two minutes each
- Eyes
- Open
How
- Slow repetition of the idea, then look about and let your glance rest on whatever catches it — near or far, “important” or not, human or not.
- Name it and apply: you do not know what it is for.
Longer sitting
Six sittings — two minutes each
- Today’s idea is: “I do not know what anything is for.”
- Slow repetition of the idea. Then look about. Let the glance rest on whatever catches it — near or far, “important” or not.
- Say, slowly: “I do not know what this [name it] is for.”
- Conclude:
- Say, slowly: “I do not know what anything is for.”
These scripts follow the workbook’s own method for this number — duration, frequency, and the sentences it asks you to use. They are a study paraphrase, not a replacement. Read the official lesson at acim.org and follow any wording it gives that is more specific than this card.
Words you may not know
Full glossaryCourse words do not mean what church, psychology, or ordinary English usually mean. These notes are for this lesson — tap a word.
Other voices — Tina, Ra, Carla
Short notes from the four streams. The teaching above is the lesson. These are doors if you want them.
Spalding
You do not know what anything is for. Playing God about other people’s paths is unqualified. Become a passerby. Patience often shows that what looked bad was not.
Watch this lesson’s commentaryRa
This lesson is practice in polarizing with the person in front of you. Service to others is not a slogan. It is whether you treat them as the same being you are.
Open streamRueckert
A wanderer on Earth does not need a different lesson. She needs this one, done with her hands. Carla's whole archive is the proof: contact follows a life, it does not replace it.
Open stream