Editorial October 14, 1911 Issue

"A WILLING MIND."

Annie M. Knott

A GREAT deal is said at the present time about the power of the human will, indeed there are many who mistakenly suppose that Christian Scientists attempt to heal themselves and others by means of will-power, when it is instead the surrender of the belief that man has a mind separate from God which is the first step toward healing. It would seem as if it were an easy matter to take this step, but the struggles of humanity to have their own way, from childhood up, prove that the opposite is true; that a mighty struggle with mortal sense is needed before we are ready to say, under all circumstances, "Not my will, but thine, be done."

Even the great Teacher had to meet and master the universal belief in a material or carnal mind, but happily for us he knew beyond all question how this must be done when he said, "The spirit indeed is willing." In the strength of infinite Truth he pressed on to victory, knowing that the fleshly mind could neither help nor hinder his demonstration. Many of us begin the day with the prayer, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," but how many are there who render willing service to the demands of God's law each hour of the day; yet in this way alone can we help to bring about the fulfilment of our own prayer.

It is deeply interesting to note the many references throughout the Bible to the "willing mind." David counsels his son Solomon to know God and to "serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind." He also bids him seek out "for all the service of the house of God ... every willing skilful man, for any manner of service." How often we hear it said that some one is such a valuable servant mainly because of his or her willingness to respond readily and cheerfully to every right requirement. On the other hand, there are those who waste their energies in a fruitless struggle on the side of the undisciplined human will, which ever seeks to have its own way, however much it may obstruct progress, a tendency which explains many cases of slow healing. We should always remember that healing could never be slow if God's will prevailed. The apostle Peter assures us that "the Lord is not slack concerning his promise," and that He is "not willing that any should perish." People speak of obstinate ailments, but these are often largely due to obstinacy of disposition, possibly dating back to childhood.

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