How I Used Truth - Lesson 11 - Annotation 3
How can we say that good is the only reality in the universe?
3. We can say that good is the only reality in the universe because God, who is the one Reality, is the Principle and Source of Absolute Good. The text (How I Used Truth 106) puts it this way: "all good is the only real thing in the universe."
Webster's dictionary gives the following definitions for the word good that accord with the metaphysical meaning: "That which possesses desirable qualities; promotes success, welfare or happiness; that which satisfies or approves itself to the ethical consciousness or is conceived as fitting in the moral order of the universe."
The following are among the definitions given in the dictionary for the word reality: "real being; true; absolute; self-existent; ultimate as opposed to what is merely apparent or phenomenal." All of these terms can be used to define God as the one Reality.
When we combine these definitions, it is not difficult for us to see that good -- "that which promotes success, welfare or happiness" -- must be of and from God, and therefore good must be the only reality in the universe. "God is good and all His creations are good. When you get that firmly fixed in your mind, you are bound to demonstrate good and nothing but good can come into your world. . . .
"If you will start right now with the idea of universal and eternal goodness uppermost in your mind, talk only about the good, and see with the mind's eye everything and everybody as good, then you will soon be demonstrating all kinds of good. Good thoughts will become a habit, and good will manifest itself to you. You will see it everywhere" (Prosperity 59, 60).
If good were not the only reality in the universe we could not refer to God as the one Presence and one Power. We would be acknowledging two sources of power by relating power to something other than God and calling it "reality." The oneness of God and man, the oneness of God with His entire creation, must be accepted by everyone on the pathway of soul development. Belief in duality and separateness cannot have any place in the consciousness of one who has recognized God, the All-Good, as the one reality in his own life and throughout all creation.
"reality -- That which is abiding, eternal, and unchangeable, the same 'yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever' (Heb. 13:8). . . . God is the one harmonious Principle underlying all being and the reality out of which all that is eternal comes" (The Revealing Word 163-164).
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Preceding Entry: What mental faculty (spiritual power) is of vital importance in the exercise of true prayer, and what is its function?
Following Entry: Explain the meaning of the word fact. What is meant by "the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view" (text, page 104)?
