Editorial September 11, 1926 Issue

Single-Mindedness

Albert F. Gilmore

Singleness of thought is necessary to the gaining of spiritual understanding, in fact, to the accomplishment of any good purpose. The Apostle James makes this very clear in his first epistle. When advising him who lacks wisdom to ask God for it, he admonishes such a one to seek with singleness of purpose, having full faith, because he who doubts is "like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." Such a person, declares James, should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, for "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways." The case could scarcely be stated more strongly. He who seeks the accomplishment of a good purpose, however exalted it may be, but wavers between doubt and fear, uncertain, constantly "in the valley of decision," lacking in singleness of purpose, is little likely to succeed. How can such expect or deserve success?

Christian Scientists know the importance of singleness of purpose in seeking spiritual truth. They have before them constantly the precepts and examples of Christ Jesus, who established for all time the way to mental and spiritual freedom. His teachings and methods were direct and single. He left no room for doubt or wavering. His familiar words, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon," leave no choice to the disciple. Again he declared, "Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, . . . and shall not doubt in his heart, . . . he shall have whatsoever he saith." High accomplishment is incident upon a faith so unwavering, a purpose so fixed, that doubt and distrust may not enter.

Mortals fear to leave the seeming substantialities of matter for what to the so-called physical senses seems altogether unsubstantial and ephemeral. In consequence, they develop a state of double-mindedness which falters and wavers between the claims of matter and the realities of Spirit. Such a course is far from conducive to spiritual growth; in fact, it utterly defeats it. Of this uncertainty, what says Mrs. Eddy? In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 167) we read, "It is not wise to take a halting and halfway position or to expect to work equally with Spirit and matter, Truth and error." Her words bear no trace of uncertainty. Here is no encouragement to a faltering position, but rather an emphatic statement that reliance on Spirit alone can bring about the desired result.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Faith and Understanding