Editorial July 7, 1923 Issue

God's Opportunity

Albert F. Gilmore

The familiar saying, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity," states an important fact. Mortal mind seems so unwilling to accept Truth that usually mankind seeks divine aid only when the need is very great. Engrossed in its own beliefs as to what constitutes life and happiness; oblivious of the great facts of being; unaware of the everpresence of God, infinite good; and ignorant of His universe of perfect ideas, mortal mind would fain seek pleasure in its own satisfaction, within its own limited sphere of seeming activity. In writing of the uses of adversity on page 266 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says: "Friends will betray and enemies will slander, until the lesson is sufficient to exalt you; for 'man's extremity is God's opportunity.' The author has experienced the foregoing prophecy and its blessings. Thus He teaches mortals to lay down their fleshliness and gain spirituality." Mrs. Eddy clearly recognized the tendency of mankind to delay the acceptance of spiritual Truth until the conviction comes that in mortal mind is to be found no ultimate satisfaction, no permanent safety.

As Christian Scientists, we learn that it is a false argument that would persuade us to wait for a time of great distress, perhaps when undergoing acute suffering, before turning to God for divine aid. Did not the writer of the book of Proverbs urge mankind constantly to turn to God? These are his words: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." One does not find here even an intimation that one should delay seeking God until some great disaster arises. On the contrary, it is urged that mankind should trust God at all times, under all circumstances, here and now, and forever. Only in this way is one rightly led into paths of peace and righteousness.

Moreover, does it not betoken a state of both hypocrisy and insincerity for one to wait for a time of dire need before turning to God? Does it not imply a mental state which would hold to the ways of materiality so long as there appears to be the slightest possibility of prolonging a state of deception—a state, be it said, which claims to be pleasurable and altogether desirable? So-called mortal mind surrenders its prerogatives only when all its means are found to be inadequate. Accordingly, "man's extremity," when human capacity for assistance has failed, becomes the occasion for turning to God for His aid and solace.

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