Lesson 3: What is my Ideal?

Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima

The lesson What Is My Ideal? begins with a single, searching question: What am I truly aiming my life toward?

An ideal is not merely a goal, ambition, or image of success. It is the inner standard by which a person measures their thoughts, choices, reactions, and actions. It is the direction toward which life naturally moves when no one is watching. The readings are explicit that a true ideal “CANNOT… be that that is man-made,” but must be “of the spiritual nature… in Truth, in God” (262-11). Any ideal rooted only in personal ambition, social approval, or human opinion is unstable and ultimately collapses.

This lesson also teaches that an ideal is not something a person suddenly becomes. Instead, it is something one grows toward. The readings explain that an individual may “ATTAIN to such an ideal, yet never become the ideal—but ONE WITH the ideal” (262-11). This distinction is important. The ideal remains ahead, drawing the individual forward, shaping character and intention over time. The purpose of an ideal is not arrival, but alignment. Growth matters more than achievement.

Although the question of an ideal is deeply personal, it also applies to group work. The group is reminded that there must be “ONENESS of purpose,” because shared purpose “gives then a group a one ideal” (262-11). Individuals may differ in personality, insight, or approach, but when the aim is shared, those differences no longer divide. Unity is not created through sameness, but through direction.

A powerful prayer is given to prepare for this lesson, and it reveals the nature of a true ideal: “LET ME SEE IN MY BROTHER THAT I SEE IN HIM WHOM I WORSHIP!” (262-11). This prayer makes clear that an ideal is not limited to personal refinement or spiritual aspiration. It is revealed in how one sees and treats others—especially those who are difficult, misunderstood, or challenging. A true ideal reshapes perception as much as behavior.

The readings are clear that this question cannot be answered collectively or intellectually. “This is a question that each shall answer within their individual lives” (262-11). Instead of evaluating the group’s progress, the focus is turned inward with a practical test: “Art thou a channel of blessing to SOMEONE today?” (262-11). An ideal proves itself not in statements of belief, but in lived expression.

When individuals ask how to reach their ideal, the answers are practical and consistent. Growth happens “little by little, line by line,” as one becomes conscious of the higher influence working through their “acts… thoughts… the LIFE” (262-11). Another response is even more direct: “work—work!” (262-11). An ideal becomes real only through steady, daily choices, not through inspiration alone.

One of the strongest teachings in this lesson concerns judgment. The readings state plainly: “With the MEASURE ye mete is thy ideal” (262-11). In other words, the way a person measures others reveals the standard they are living by. Harshness, impatience, or condemnation point to a fearful or ego-based ideal. Mercy, patience, and understanding reflect a higher spiritual aim. This is why the lesson repeatedly warns against judging others instead of measuring oneself.

The lesson also insists that truth must be lived personally rather than preached. That is why the readings instruct that the lesson be written in the first person: “First person, I AM!” (262-11). Spiritual truth has power only when it is practiced. “Beautiful truths without personal application” are described as empty and ineffective (262-13). What a person lives becomes the message others receive.

Patience is emphasized as an essential quality of a true ideal. The readings state that anyone who wishes to be patient must “show patience with those even that have a DIFFERENT understanding” (262-11). A spiritual ideal does not make a person rigid or superior; it makes them compassionate, steady, and long-suffering.

The readings also distinguish between earthly and spiritual ideals. An ideal of earthly origin brings temporary satisfaction, while a spiritual ideal produces contentment—something deeper and more stable. Contentment is not dependent on circumstances, success, or recognition; it arises from alignment with truth (262-13).

Service is repeatedly identified as the proof of an ideal. Understanding comes “in the BEAUTY of service,” especially through “the kindly thought, the little deeds” that ease the lives of others (262-13). Small acts, done consistently with love, reveal the depth and sincerity of one’s ideal more clearly than dramatic gestures.

Finally, the group is given a promise. If they truly set and live by one ideal that is “set in Him,” then “before the lesson is finished a sign will be given thee” (262-11). When an ideal is real—when it is lived rather than discussed—change becomes visible. Something shifts within individuals and within the group as a whole. An ideal is the highest spiritual standard by which a person measures their life. It is not man-made, but rooted in Truth and God. It is grown into, not possessed. It reveals itself through patience, mercy, service, and daily action. When lived sincerely, an ideal transforms both the individual and the group—and its effects become visible.

SELECTED READINGS ON WHAT IS MY IDEAL?

“The ideal or the standard that each… measure themselves by…” (262-13)

Your ideal becomes the measuring stick for your life. What you call your “ideal” quietly shapes how you judge yourself and others.

“An ideal… CANNOT… be… man-made, but must be… spiritual… in Truth, in God…” (262-11)

If an ideal is built only on human opinions, trends, or ego, it won’t last. A true ideal has to be rooted in God and spiritual truth.

“These founded… of man’s making MUST come to naught!” (262-13)

Anything built only on human pride or temporary goals eventually collapses. Only what’s grounded in God endures.

“Gift of God… an INDIVIDUAL soul… one WITH Him… yet individual…” (262-11)

You are both unique and connected to God. Oneness doesn’t erase individuality—it gives it meaning.

“All may ATTAIN… yet never become the ideal— but ONE WITH the ideal…” (262-11)

The goal isn’t to be perfection, but to live aligned with it. You grow into unity with the ideal, not ownership of it.

“ONENESS of purpose… gives then a group a one ideal.” (262-11)

A group doesn’t need identical personalities—just shared purpose. Unity comes from direction, not sameness.

“Though… many ideas… the differentiations are lost…” (262-11)

Different approaches fade into harmony when everyone is moving toward the same spiritual goal.

“GOD, BE MERCIFUL TO ME! HELP THOU MY UNBELIEF!” (262-11)

This prayer admits honesty. Growth begins when faith and doubt are both brought openly to God.

“LET ME SEE… IN MY FELLOW MAN… IN MY BROTHER…” (262-11)

The test of your ideal is how you see others. Seeing God’s image in people reveals how real your ideal is.

“CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART… HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF…” (262-13)

Spiritual growth requires inner cleaning, not outward polishing. Purity starts in motive and intention.

“Let each… apply… in their own daily life…” (262-13)

An ideal only works when it’s lived. Application turns belief into reality.

“The lesson become a LIVING example…” (262-13)

Truth teaches best when it’s embodied. Your life becomes the lesson others read.

“Beautiful truths without personal application… casting pearls…” (262-13)

Spiritual ideas without practice lose their power. Truth spoken but not lived becomes empty.

“First person, I AM!” (262-11)

Spiritual lessons must be personal. Transformation begins with I, not they.

“A personal application… imparted unto another.” (262-11)

You can only give what you’ve lived. Real influence flows from personal experience.

“Judge not… for as ye measure so is it measured again.” (262-11)

The standard you use on others becomes the standard shaping you. Judgment reveals your own ideal.

“With the MEASURE ye mete is thy ideal.” (262-11)

How you evaluate others shows what you truly value.

“Today is!” (262-13)

Spiritual work happens now, not later. Delay weakens intention.

“Use that thou hast in hand.” (262-13)

You don’t wait for more tools—growth starts with what you already have.

“Put into active… service… day by day.” (262-12)

Ideals mature through daily action, not occasional inspiration.

“Line upon line, here a little, there a little…” (262-12)

Spiritual growth is gradual. Small faithfulness builds lasting strength.

“Little by little, line by line…” (262-11)

Patience is essential. Ideals form through steady progress, not sudden leaps.

“Art thou a channel of blessing to SOMEONE today?” (262-11)

The most practical test of your ideal is whether someone benefits from your presence.

“Being the channel that may bring a blessing to another?” (262-12)

An ideal fulfilled becomes a pathway for good to reach others.

“Look for the GOOD in EVERYONE.” (262-12)

Spiritual insight trains the eyes to see value, not flaws.

“Spiritual INSIGHT brings the SEEING of the best…” (262-12)

True perception lifts others instead of labeling them.

“In the BEAUTY of service comes… understanding…” (262-13)

Serving with love clarifies truth. Understanding grows through giving.

“The greatest service… the kindly thought, the little deeds…” (262-13)

Big impact often comes from small, faithful acts done consistently.

“There will come a sign… will they make the ideal… one with Him.” (262-12)

Alignment with God brings confirmation. When the ideal is lived, evidence appears.

“Before the lesson is finished a sign will be given…” (262-11)

Growth doesn’t go unnoticed. Faithful application brings recognizable change.