Article July 5, 1913 Issue

TRUE TO ONE'S SELF

ELSIE IVES.

Much of the sense of lack of time complained of by Christian Scientists, as well as by those who are not Christian Scientists, could be overcome by gaining a better understanding of what God really demands of them. In proportion as we gain this knowledge, we will find our days never overcrowded, but filled with the happy, profitable things that make for the establishment of the kingdom of heaven on earth; and this, not because we are busy and "troubled about many things," but because we are faithful over a few.

To spend all of one's time in either material or mental work for others, with the idea that we are being unselfish and doing God's will, is a mistaken idea both of unselfishness and of God's will. Many persons are so humanly unselfish that their greatest pleasure is found in constantly doing for others, and ofttimes at the expense of their own material and spiritual welfare. They may not realize that unless their acts are inspired by wisdom, by God, they may be injuring those they mean to aid. They do not stop earnestly to consider whether the would-be aid is wanted, and that perhaps their presence or offered assistance would be deemed a nuisance.

In our effort to do God's will, let us pray that we enter not into temptation; let us not allow human impulse, no matter how good it may seem to be, to govern our actions, but turn always to divine wisdom for guidance. This wisdom is the All-love, in comparison with which our sense of human love becomes as nothing. On page 127 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says: "One thing I have greatly desired, and again earnestly request, namely, that Christian Scientists, here and elsewhere, pray daily for themselves; not verbally, nor on bended knee, but mentally, meekly, and importunately. When a hungry heart petitions the divine Father-Mother God for bread, it is not given a stone,—but more grace, obedience, and love."

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