Article February 14, 1920 Issue

The Open Door

TESORA F. SLOAN

Were the thoughtful individual called upon to tell what it is he is most in search of, he would readily admit that it is peace and happiness, which to a Christian Scientist means the truth. And yet, how frequently he passes the very door to the truth, which always stands invitingly open, and turns in any and every other direction, vainly expecting to find an easier pathway to the realization of his desires. Many years ago this door was pointed out to the writer, but blindness and self-righteousness prevented its being seen, and it was only after years of conflict with the falsities of the world that she was willing to accept that which offered hope. Those twenty years had been misdirected years in the search for God, Truth. One may not acknowledge or even see that he is seeking God, but a student of Christian Science knows that that is really the whole necessity, because peace and happiness, as well as freedom from fear, sickness, and loss can only be realized after Truth, as revealed in Christian Science, has been found. The possession of no material object or objects will bring to the individual right qualities of thought; for no sooner does he possess the object of material desire than his thought turns to some other material thing in the hope that it will complete peace, freedom, and happiness, while the open door to the truth leading to these very conditions, even if seen, is shunned and avoided.

One is led to ask why this opposition to Truth. The answer can only lie in the willfulness and stubbornness of the human mind in its preconceived notions about life, and all pertaining thereto. It is unwilling to yield its opinion, based on long years of material thinking, for something so radically different which stirs it from the lethargy of old habits and customs. It does not want to be stirred. It wants to be let alone to travel on in its dream of life and intelligence in matter; for this spiritual something makes demands that are troublesome and disturbing. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 233) Mrs. Eddy says: "Peals that should startle the slumbering thought from its erroneous dream are partially unheeded; but the last trump has not sounded, or this would not be so. Marvels, calamities, and sin will much more abound as truth urges upon mortals its resisted claims."

How frequently we resist the loving word truthfully spoken by a brother when he points out a fault,—as though this fault were a cherished personal possession, when, as a matter of fact, neither good nor evil are personal possessions,—and with egotism condemn him, and for what? Because he had the moral courage to speak the truth. The average follower of religious theories will tell you he wants the truth, but when he is put to the test and his idols—human beliefs—are in danger of being shattered, he does not like it, and ofttimes bitterly resents the light of Truth.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The Open Door

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access