Editorial October 10, 1925 Issue

On Purifying Our Motives

Albert F. Gilmore

When Christ Jesus enjoined upon his disciples the necessity of keeping clean the inside of the platter and of the cup as well as the outside, he taught a valuable lesson by the skillful use of parable. The inside of the cup and of the platter could have been nothing less than one's mentality, the so-called human consciousness; and the keeping clean of these useful utensils had the deep significance of the need to keep thought pure and to hold to proper motives and aims in order that action might be righteous. For by these means and these alone, Christian character is built.

Mrs. Eddy, with characteristic directness, states the futility of evil motives. "A wrong motive involves defeat," she declares on page 446 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." How necessary to success, then, is right motive, sound and pure intention! The desire to be and to do good enlists one on the side of infinite power, and we are told "one with God is a majority." How may we expect to gain that which is worthy and noble through holding to evil aims and desires? "A good intention," says Emerson, "clothes itself with sudden power." That power, we learn in Christian Science, is divine power, which is invoked in proportion as we purify our motives, admitting into our mental household only such thoughts as may be expressed in righteous action. If our motives be sound, we learn to look to God for direction, seeking to know His will, and, learning it, to obey it. This is the means whereby ideals are purified, and the standard of spiritual truth becomes the guide to daily living.

Great impetus is given the desire to purify motives through careful study of the life and works of Christ Jesus. What was his motive? Above all others he desired to glorify the Father. Could there be purer motive than this? Above all others he continually turned to God as the source and creator, and he beheld in Him the perfect Father, who loves all His children with unfailing and unchanging love. Moreover, how can we claim Christ Jesus as our Way-shower unless we do likewise, in some degree following in his footsteps?

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Alone with God
October 10, 1925
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit