The Characteristics of a Teacher of God (the Core Values)

Imagine that you are among the Teachers of God, there are many of you spread around the
Universe. Visualize that you all adhere to these same values. In a soft whisper repeat the
following:

Trust – the Teachers of God all trust in the Word of God. We trust in the experience of God. We trust in the guidance from the Course. We no longer trust in the idols and illusions of the world.

Honesty – the Teachers of God do not deceive their brothers and sisters as they know they are all of one mind. They are consistent:
Right Intention: They have defined their intention, their goals.
Right Thought: their thoughts, wishes, desires, and even their daydreams are consistent with their intention.
Right Speech: Not only the words they say are consistent with their intentions but also the words they listen to, the words they read and the words they write are consistent with their intention.
Right Behavior: their actions do not conflict with what they think and say.
Right Livelihood: How they make their living and how they spend their time is consistent with their intention.
Right Effort: They are up and doing. They do not waste their time with distracting activities. They realize that to wake up takes a significant amount of effort.
Right Concentration: They ‘keep their eye on the ball’. Their minds are focused, and they are intolerant of mind wandering. They are ‘vigilant for God and his Kingdom’ i.e., they consistently listen to the Voice of the Spirit.
Right Mindfulness: They always ask themselves, “why am I thinking this, why am I saying this, why am I reading this, why am I listening to this, why am I writing this and why am I doing this? They understand the creative process (thought > word > deed) and enjoy the benefits of a focused mind and thought system.,

Note: In Buddhism these are referred to as the Eight-fold Path. And as we learned from the Conversations with God, ‘right’ signifies that we have observed what is and that we do what works.

Tolerance – ‘I have the power of God to see the face of Christ in everyone I meet.’ I do not see sin, I see error. I know it is not my function to judge others and try to correct their errors. My function is understanding and forgiveness – radical forgiveness.

Compassion – The Teachers of God show up with kindness and gentleness. For them it is important to be kind not right.

Joy – because the Teachers of God are gentle, tolerant, honest and trusting they are joyful. It is natural for them to be light-hearted and happy.

Defenseless – The Teachers of God have realized that it is not danger that comes when defenses are laid down. It is safety. It is peace. It is joy. And it is God. They know they are ‘spiritual beings having a human experience.’

Generosity – The Teachers of God have learned from the Holy Spirit that ‘to have all, give all; to have peace demonstrate peace; and, always be vigilant for God and His Kingdom (listen to the Voice of the Spirit).

Patience – The Teachers of God know that they are not waiting on time for their awakening, they are waiting on their willingness to let go of the old thought system.

Faithfulness – The Teachers of God are certain of the outcome of following the guidance of this Course. ‘Faithfulness is the Teacher of God’s trust in the Word of God to set all things right; not some, but all.’

Open-Mindedness – The Teacher of God, through the acceptance of what the Course reveals, receives understanding, appreciation, and love. As he receives, it is as if his mind is a chalice that overflows with understanding, appreciation, and love. As it overflows, he wants to share this with his brothers and sisters. The more he receives, the more he gives. The more he gives, the more he receives.

Note: These Characteristics of a Teacher of God are based on the ACIM Manual for Teachers.