Article September 17, 1921 Issue

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me"

ELIZABETH A. WHITNEY

ALL down through the centuries Bible readers have thought that they knew something of the meaning of the First Commandment and that rendered a measure of intelligent obedience thereto. But how slight this recognition has been one learns through the study of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The disciples of Christ Jesus very clearly illustrate this lack of understanding and their failure has for us a significant, illuminating warning.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." One must see Principle always and alone as the only Mind in all of one's thinking. The disciples may have thought that they saw God or Principle as our beloved Way-shower presented the truth to them, but events proved that they had seen Jesus instead. They loved person, they followed person, they saw wisdom and authority as person. While all was well they identified themselves openly with Jesus. They loved Jesus. When civil power in the guise of person arrested Jesus, the disciples deserted and denied Jesus, because their fear of person so far outweighed their love of person.

In Science and Health, page 34, Mrs. Eddy tells us that "Through all the disciples experienced, they became more spiritual and understood better what the Master had taught. His resurrection was also their resurrection. It helped them to raise themselves and others from spiritual dulness and blind belief in God into the perception of infinite possibilities." How sorely each one needs this quickening that he may understand the commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access