Article December 8, 1917 Issue

Our Choice

LOUISA E. BELL

Each must choose for himself whether he will serve Principle or person; no one can take this all-important step for another. One may unhesitatingly take the side of Principle; another, less confident but with equal desire to do right, may ask himself, Who am I, that I should be able to decide this great thing? But to remain stationary is impossible. Shall we go forward? Yes; and so the start is made.

For a time all goes well, and the worker in Christian Science makes some progress, as in faithfully helping others he comes to see the wonderful help he is getting himself. So far it has been easy to keep to the straight and narrow way. There has not been much to meet, and one is inclined to slacken his watch, when suddenly the path seems obstructed and doubts and fears seem to be turning him aside. Such an experience may cause us to wonder if the choice we made was right; or, if right, whether we have understanding enough to go forward. At this point thought turns to the children of Israel, and the beautiful description given by Mrs. Eddy on page 566 of Science and Health of their guidance through the Red Sea and the wilderness, and we see that only by pressing on, and following our Leader as she herself followed Christ, can we hope to reach the promised land.

The Israelites were tempted to complain bitterly of the hardships experienced on their way to deliverance, even to express the wish to return to Egyptian bondage; but in spite of their murmurings against him, Moses patiently and trustingly kept turning their thought away from personality and corporeal sense to reliance on God, bidding them, in the face of seemingly overwhelming danger, to "stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." With this and many other examples of steadfast resolve to encourage us, we can but choose to go forward. Then we realize with gratitude that the seeming obstruction, with its necessary overcoming, has strengthened and encouraged us for better work, as we have gained more faith in God's guidance and a greater sense of the divine ever presence and protection.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Image of God
December 8, 1917
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit