If you’ve ever participated in drama, you know all about role playing. It’s a person assuming an assigned role and acting out what is expected from that character.
Role playing happens in more places than on stage. It can happen in the workplace, at home, at social gatherings, in the classroom, or in the political theater. It often takes the form of people acting out roles that they didn’t come up with themselves, but took on from someone else, or from popular belief in general.
A child acting up because everyone expects them to act up, is a classic example. But there are other more subtle forms role playing takes that are wise to avoid.
For instance, have you ever started to feel angry because others were angry, and they expected you to get angry? That’s role playing.
Have you ever started drinking alcohol because your friends were drinking, even though you wouldn’t have started drinking on your own? That’s role playing.
Have you ever been told that you should expect to get certain ailments because your ancestors had them, and then you found yourself struggling with them? That’s role playing.
As a child of God, you have your own spiritual individuality to live out and express. It’s an amazing individuality, filled with awe and wonder, eternal health, intelligence, wisdom, creativity, worth, value and glory.
There isn’t any mortal that can improve on what God has already given you. Mortal mind cannot possibly outline a better role for you to play than the role God has already set up for you to enjoy.
Don’t live to please others. Live to please God! Being a child of God is the best possible role you could ever play!
Thank you, Evan! What an excellent example! It is role playing when we succumb to any belief that is not about God. They are not true for us, or anyone. They can be so subtle that you don’t even realize what’s going on! That’s why Mrs. Eddy tells us to “Stand porter at the door of thought…”
Be aware! It begins with our first prayer in the morning when we declare that we are made in the image and likeness of God. That God is All. That there is no other might nor mind. There is one Mind.
Having been a mediator, we used role play all the time to help each other learn how to deal with certain human situations. Thank you, Evan, for this post. it speak to me the truth about who we are and what our true relation is with others as spiritually free from human assignment.
Thank you, mmj, for that most wonderful morning prayer:
I am made in God’s image and likeness
God is All
There is no other might nor mind
There is one Mind.
Amen.
Thank you, Evan, for these wonderful and clearly expressed examples of the “role playing” we often do without even being aware of it!!!
I also wanted to express my gratitude for the Sentinel Radio Program for this week. You addressed animal magnetism in a way that made it so easily understood and confronted, and filled with fresh ideas for both the newcomers and the lifelong Christian Scientists.
Much appreciation for all that you do and the countless lives you enhance.
We are all blessed by your dedication.
Thank you Evan and Lisa Z for the radio program heads up it is outstanding, It does answer so many questions
As a drama coach I often assuage the fears of actors/singers on stage. Now and then I hear expressions of insurmountable fear or anxiety before a big audition or performance. I stay calm and centered and reassure them they are of one mind with God and that nothing can separate them from the love of God. You’re given me a new perspective on role playing to share now. All things are possible through God. Thank you!
Thank you, Evan, for such a clear explanation and list of examples of role playing. I always find examples helpful in my search for Truth. Also, today’s Sentinel Watch podcast on animal magnetism is excellent!
Thank you! I’m glad you found the program. I’ll post a link in my blog this week.
I have just been listening to that amazing podcast. Wow that is so helpful. Grateful to Lisa Z for pointing it out as I wouldn’t otherwise have known about it.
love that no motal can make us any better!!!
I want to thank you Evan for the great explanation of animal magnetism on Sentinel watch. It’s really helped me to understand I don’t have to fight it. You clarified so well it simply isn’t real. Now and always we are one with Divine Mind!
Thank You Evan, this is a permanent role and I am honoured to put COG after my name. Blessed be Thy Name having my permanent place in the Kingdom of Heaven. I leave the details to Our Father Mother to fill with Divine Perfection and enjoy each beautiful moment of unfoldment. Gratefully appreciated.
When I was training as an actress, my teacher said that acting was acting truthfully in imaginary circumstances. The beauty of this is that you know you are in an imaginary circumstance. When we role play off the stage, we believe it to be true, part of us. My friend who was not an actor said an actor could do all kinds of things but never pay the price for doing them. As long as you remembered it was all imaginary.