Article November 16, 1918 Issue

Honesty

HELEN MORSS KEELER

Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews writes, "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." This passage means much to one student who never realized the vast importance of living honestly until awakened by Christian Science. She had all her life theoretically desired to live honestly; she could never tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing. One day, however, after reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, she felt a great sense of uneasiness over passing in some school work which was not solely her own. The action was quickly recognized as dishonest, and with the realization that there can be no limit to God's power to give His child directly all the needed help, the temptation to repeat this error was overcome.

After this many other temptations were mastered. Little so-called "white lies" has to go, as did the habit of relating circumstances and events not exactly as they had happened but colored by the narrator to give the desired effect, often instigated by human sympathy, personal regard, or even love of praise. After looking through the lens of Christian Science upon the matter, it was seen that nothing but the plain truth or silence would do. This young student decided when in doubt to declare silently the truth, so far as she understood it, as the best and safest way. In a good conscience, where humility and love dwell, dishonesty cannot abide. In Science and Health (p. 453) we read: "Honesty is spiritual power. Dishonesty is human weakness,which forfeits divine help." As a result of these early lessons, the student found that not to indulge in dishonesty, however slightly, brought the reward of better health and more happiness. When later a treatment was promised to a stranger who was seeking for relief, an honest amount of work was done, "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Our Leader has told us in Science and Health (p. 456), "Any dishonesty in your theory and practice betrays a gross ignorance of the method of the Christ-cure." It therefore follows that the student must press on until sincerity and spiritual honesty characterize all he thinks and says and does.

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