Article December 12, 1914 Issue

Our Table

HORTENSE W. LEWIS

The opening words of the twenty-third psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," are very familiar, and have often brought comfort and strength and assurance to those in want and distress.

Recently the writer was led to think about the following words from the same psalm: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies," and she recalled the mental picture these words used to present to her when as a youngster in Sunday school she heard them read. Then, turning away from that picture, false and material, she tried to see what spiritual message she could now find in them. The old picture of one sitting down in complacent self-satisfaction, and enjoying all the good things a well-filled table had to offer, while his enemise were forced to stand aside and watch the eater's enjoyment, seems today crude, material, and personal. St. John tells us that "God is love," and so we find ourselves asking about the table Love has prepared: What must one do to avail himself of that which Love prepares? What would such a table contain? Lastly, what are the enemies referred to?

Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." In seeking the kingdom of God, mortals have to give up material beliefs and opinions, and learn to think rightly. The process is an educational one, and like all education, it is a mental process. Man's storehouse, or table, is in consciousness. The man who is a student takes pride in his library, selecting his books with great care as to authorship, illustrations, etc., while the man who is known as a "good liver" consumes much time on the choice of viands for his table. What about the man who seeks "first the kingdom of God"? May not thoughts be the wherewithal to fill his table? Each can choose, yes, be very particular about the thoughts he entertains. He can select and hold only those which are true, loving, helpful, and spiritual. Thoughts of fear, anxiety, and worry need to be banished as mental outlaws, for they are not in accord with divine Mind. They do not acknowledge the omnipotence of divine Mind. Christian Scientists are reminded that "right thoughts are reality and power; wrong thoughts are unreality and powerless, possessing the nature of dreams. Good thoughts are potent; evil thoughts are impotent" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 252). No one should covet that which is unreal, counterfeit, but all should learn and assimilate the real and true, so that they may no longer be tricked and deceived by the unreal.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Our Table

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access