My Neville GoddardNeville Goddard on John 10:17
Executive Summary
According to Neville's interpretation, the scripture "I lay down my life, that I might take it again" refers to the psychological power to change your concept of yourself. This is a voluntary act, initiated from within. By abandoning a current self-concept and assuming a new one, you mold your external world and cause others to behave in ways that reflect this new inner state back to you.
Key Concepts
- Laying Down One's Life: This is a metaphor for voluntarily abandoning your current concept of self.
- Taking It Again: This means assuming a new concept of self.
- Voluntary Power: The change is entirely self-directed, as stated by "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself."
- Concept of Self is Causal: Your concept of yourself is the most important thing because it molds your world and draws people to behave in harmony with it.
Detailed Explanation
Neville Goddard explains the verses from John 10:17-18 not as a literal, physical act, but as a profound psychological drama. The act of 'laying down one's life' is interpreted as the conscious decision to abandon a particular concept of oneself. This is the power to mentally die to your present state of being, especially when you dislike your environment or the circumstances of your life.
The teaching emphasizes that this power is entirely your own. The phrase, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself," underscores that no external person or condition forces this change upon you. It is a voluntary act of your own consciousness. You possess the ability to release your current self-perception at will.
After 'laying down' the old concept, you then 'take it again' by assuming a new and different concept of self. This new assumption is the creative act. According to the source, this new self-concept has the power to mold a world in harmony with itself. It will draw people and events to you that constantly confirm, through their behavior and your experiences, the truth of who you have now assumed yourself to be.
Important Quotes
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
— No One To Change But Self
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.
— No One To Change But Self
My concept of myself molds a world in harmony with itself and draws men to tell me constantly by their behaviour who I am.
— No One To Change But Self
The most important thing in this world to you is your concept of self.
— No One To Change But Self
Common Misunderstandings
- This scripture is not about physical death or martyrdom. It describes a psychological process of consciously abandoning one self-concept for another.
Practical Applications
The practical application of this teaching is to recognize that you are not a victim of your circumstances. If you dislike your environment, you must use your power to 'lay down' the concept of self that is creating it. You do this by assuming the feeling of being the person you wish to be, living in the reality you desire. This new concept of self, once assumed, will reshape your world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'laying down my life' mean in this context?
It means to voluntarily abandon your current concept of yourself and the state of consciousness associated with it.
According to this teaching, can someone else force me to change?
No. The teaching stresses that 'No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself,' meaning the power and choice to change your concept of self is entirely your own.
What is the result of changing my concept of self?
A changed concept of self molds a world in harmony with it, drawing people and circumstances to you that reflect your new inner state.
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