Cooperation is defined in spiritual and practical terms:
Spiritual Definition:
"Cooperation is the soul of any organized group of individuals" 262-3
It is a channeling of spiritual force toward a common purpose, aligned with God's will:
"Being the channel is cooperation. Being a blessing is it in action" 262-3
Practical Definition:
Cooperation is "a movement on the part of individuals in a cooperative manner to create by those of the higher forces as may manifest THROUGH each" 262-2
It involves working together with others without losing one's individuality, yet not depending on others—only on God
Key Ideas on Cooperation
1. Foundational Role
Cooperation is presented as the first lesson and foundation for all spiritual growth:
"The first LESSON – as has been given – learn what it means to cooperate in ONE mind, in GOD'S way" 262-1
It is called the "foundation on which all should be built. In unity is strength" 262-3
2. Offering of Self
"In cooperation IS the offering of self to be a channel of activity, of thought" 262-3
It requires losing self in the ideal, meaning surrendering ego to the divine purpose.
3. Cooperation with God
This is the highest form of cooperation—aligning individual will with divine will:
"Not MY will but THINE, O Lord, be done in and through me" 262-3
True cooperation requires meditation, prayer, and readiness to be used as a channel of blessing.
4. Cooperation with Others
Requires “unity of purpose,” “losing self in the love of that as is made the ideal” 262-2
Emphasizes acceptance of diverse roles within a group: teachers, healers, interpreters, etc.—each must "do THEIR job... WELL"
5. Group and Individual Roles
Cooperation demands both individual spiritual development and a harmonized group effort:
"Let everything be done in decency and in order" 262-2
Each member contributes something unique but must stay connected through a single spiritual aim.
Other Concepts Related to Cooperation
Self-knowledge: True cooperation leads to, and requires, knowledge of self
Prayer and Meditation: Essential tools for aligning with God and harmonizing the group
Service: Cooperation is realized through practical acts of service toward others.
Summary Quote:
“As ye seek - AND use - HIS strength, in HIS name, ye ARE His, and will become – and be – the lights that will bring that light into the shadowy places.” 262-5
Foundational Understanding of Cooperation
"The first LESSON – as has been given – learn what it means to cooperate in ONE mind, in GOD'S way."
— 262-1
This affirms that cooperation is both the first step and a divine principle in spiritual development.
"Cooperation is the soul of any organized group of individuals."
— 262-3
This gives you a concise, quote-worthy definition of cooperation.
"In unity is strength."
— 262-3
This adds a motivational tone to encourage spiritual teamwork.
Cooperation with God
"Let this mind be in you as was in Him, 'Not as I will but THINE will be done in earth as it is in heaven.'"
— 262-3
Useful for discussing surrender to divine will as the highest form of cooperation.
"Not MY will but THINE, O Lord, be done in and through me. Let me ever be a channel of blessings, today, now, to those that I contact, in every way."
— 262-3
This is a perfect affirmation or meditation prompt for your group.
Cooperation with Others in a Group
"Let each...do THEIR job and their part WELL...they become, then, a light in THEIR own respective action and field of endeavor."
— 262-1
This supports teaching about individual responsibility in a cooperative framework.
"Be an emissary of light to those in the group and OUT."
— 262-2
Promotes acting as a unifying force and carrying the group’s values outward.
"Let each seek for that as will be THEIR part in this lesson, and IT will be given each as THEY ask for same."
— 262-1
Encourages personal reflection and active participation in learning.
Spiritual Principles and Selflessness
"He that would have life must GIVE life, they that would have love must show themselves lovely...they that would have cooperation MUST cooperate by the GIVING of self."
— 262-3
Powerful teaching on how spiritual reciprocity works through cooperation.
"As ye seek – AND use – HIS strength, in HIS name, ye ARE His, and will become...the lights that will bring that light into the shadowy places."
— 262-5
Great for inspiring commitment and trust in divine support.
Meditation and Alignment
"In the meditations – we would set as a specific time for all to meditate; for he that may not cooperate one with another has little part in that that may be accomplished."
— 262-4
Good rationale for including group meditations in your lessons.
A Search for God – Study Guide on COOPERATION
Here is a Study Guide Layout on the theme of Cooperation, based on Edgar Cayce Readings 262-1 through 262-5. It includes definitions, key teachings, direct quotes, reflection prompts, and group activities.
Based on Readings 262-1 through 262-5
Definition of Cooperation
“Cooperation is the soul of any organized group of individuals.” – 262-3, Par. 19
Cooperation is:
A spiritual alignment of individuals working toward a shared ideal.
A giving of self to a unified purpose.
The foundation of any meaningful group effort—especially spiritual.
Core Concepts
1. First Spiritual Principle
“The first LESSON – as has been given – learn what it means to cooperate in ONE mind, in GOD'S way.” – 262-1
It is the cornerstone of all future spiritual progress.
Must be practiced before deeper truths can be understood or taught.
2. Offering of Self
“They that would have cooperation MUST cooperate by the GIVING of self TO that as is to be accomplished.” – 262-3
True cooperation requires selflessness.
Spiritual progress depends on losing self in the greater good.
3. Group Unity
“Let each...do THEIR job and their part WELL...they become, then, a light in THEIR own respective action and field of endeavor.” – 262-1
Unity is not uniformity—each has a unique role to fulfill.
Respect individual gifts while staying focused on shared goals.
4. Cooperation with God
“Not MY will but THINE, O Lord, be done in and through me. Let me ever be a channel of blessings.” – 262-3
The highest cooperation is surrender to divine will.
Align with God’s plan to become a true channel of light.
5. Cooperation in Action
“As ye seek – AND use – HIS strength, in HIS name, ye ARE His...lights that will bring that light into the shadowy places.” – 262-5
Cooperation must move from concept to action.
It manifests through service, healing, teaching, prayer, and loving intent.
Group Meditation Practice
“He that may not cooperate one with another has little part in that that may be accomplished.” – 262-4
Choose a specific time each day or week to meditate together.
Hold the thought:
“Father, as we seek to see and know Thy face, may we each...come to know ourselves, even as we are known.” – 262-5
Discussion Questions
What does “cooperation” mean in your personal spiritual life?
How can we honor diverse roles in our group while staying unified?
What blocks your ability to fully cooperate—with others or with God?
In what ways can your life become more of a channel of blessings?
How can we better “lose self in the ideal” as a daily practice?
Reflective Affirmation (Daily Use)
“Let this mind be in you as was in Him, ‘Not as I will but THINE will be done in earth as it is in heaven.’” – 262-3
Repeat this daily. Meditate on its meaning in your life and group purpose.
Suggested Group Exercise
Activity: "Living the Lesson"
Each member writes down:
One practical way they will show cooperation in the coming week.
One way they will align more deeply with divine will.
Share during the next meeting to affirm and support one another.
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