Article January 8, 1916 Issue

Both Great and Small

JULIA WARNER MICHAEL

The wisest man who ever walked earth's ways often directed attention to great facts by using simple illustrations. For example, when he desired his followers to consider the field lilies, his purpose was not that they might ponder over the mortal frailty of these blossoms, but that they might be inspired to a keener perception of the omnipresent love and care of God for all His creation, the spiritual universe and man. He evidently felt the necessity for human consciousness to learn that man is no more separated from God, no less dependent upon divine Mind, than is any lesser idea.

The one Mind, God, absolutely governs man and all reality, and because this Mind is Love it necessarily rules all its handiwork, both great and small, through love; therefore man cannot be controlled by fear, hate, or passion, since these are not in the one ruling Mind. Spiritual, divine qualities are all that can be expressed through man, these qualities being changeless in their perfection, since they are governed only by God. The divine source of government is man's eternal safeguard, enabling him to have dominion through everlasting at-one-ment with God. A consciousness derived from divine Mind is never charged with fear and can never become the victim of material suggestion.

In order that men might be healed of the limitations of mortal pride and the hindrance of personal opinions, Jesus required that they become very humble when he asked his followers to "consider," that is, look to and learn from, "the lilies of the field." He knew that from this view-point of humility the greatness and purity of man's true existence under the government of God is discernible. "Humility," our Leader says, "is the stepping-stone to a higher recognition of Deity. The mounting sense gathers fresh forms and strange fire from the ashes of dissolving self, and drops the world. Meekness heightens immortal attributes only by removing the dust that dims them" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 1). The very attitude of consideration toward a wayside flower betokens willingness to learn, and this is the open door for Truth's entrance.

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Truth Ever Present
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