Article October 20, 1923 Issue

Right Decision

FREDERICK R. FRANCKE

Each day we are faced with the necessity of deciding one or more problems confronting us. In many instances we seem to have enough time not to feel hurried; now and then we find it possible to postpone decisions indefinitely; but the real test comes when demand is made for immediate action. Here is the opportunity to prove our ability to subjugate selfish desires, subdue false ambitions, refuse the temptation to ask the advice of others, and turn wholly to God. Then the subtle arguments of error appear to be most active. Fear of taking a wrong step attempts to produce a state of indecision or a reckless desire to end the suspense and take the easier way out of it. Many times the easier way is also the more selfish, in that we are inclined to seek the advice of practitioners, relatives, or friends, because we can feel, perhaps, that we have some one else to blame, if the results are contrary to our expectations.

Fortunately for the advancement of our spiritual growth, there comes a time when a decision confronts us which is of such importance to our well-being that we feel compelled to recognize the wisdom of our Leader's statement in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 167), "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized." The full extent to which we must go in our reliance on Truth is best brought out by a definition of the word "radical." Radical means complete, proceeding from the very root or foundation, absolute. It demands complete severance from any mental reservations, the discarding of doubts, and a desire to serve the cause of humanity in whatever way divine Love may direct. This state of thought brings about the acceptance of the words of our Leader as being the way out of our dilemma, removes a false sense of responsibility, and accepts as permanent the promise given in Isaiah: "I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."

A receptive mental attitude towards "radical reliance on Truth" is brought about by examining our thoughts to see if we know the true cause of all action. In arriving at the essential and fundamental basis for right decision, a statement on page 195 of Science and Health is most helpful: "The point for each one to decide is, whether it is mortal mind or immortal Mind that is causative. We should forsake the basis of matter for metaphysical Science and its divine Principle."

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