Article March 12, 1927 Issue

God, Our Nearest and Dearest Friend

CUTHBERT GEORGE WILKINSON

Until one becomes interested in the teachings of Christian Science, it is too often true that God seems to be very distant, though, as Paul says, "he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being." Perhaps this mental attitude has been brought about through too much emphasis having been laid on the "Thou shalt not's," thus inducing fear of punishment rather than hope of spiritual growth and attainment. As a result, God's incalculable love, illustrated by Christ Jesus in feeding the multitudes and in healing sin, disease, and death, remains almost undiscernible, and our Father-Mother God is thought of with apprehension, instead of as the ever present source of all succor and comfort.

It is true that certain mental traits lead to actions that are both antisocial and antichristian. Such actions require a "Thou shalt not." God would not be Love if He had not given His prophets wisdom and courage to warn men that no lasting benefit or pleasure is to be gained through selfish motives, material indulgences, and corrupt practices. But there is no reason to fear God's chastening rod, for it can only compel progress and lead to true happiness.

When we realize that God is not to be dreaded, but that He is altogether desirable, we begin to approach Him as one might a new acquaintance destined to become our very best friend. We awaken to understand Him better, and begin to be governed less by selfishness and more by love. Proportionately, good comes into our experience. Then we realize that no good ever comes to man or through man that is not a manifestation of Love; and so God is found to be our infinite Friend. God does not hide His face from us, but mankind has been too wrapped up in false material pleasures and pains to seek God's friendship. What wonder that Paul pleaded so earnestly, "Be ye reconciled to God"!

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