The Listening Ear

Violet Ker Seymer

Christian Science teaches one to analyze one's thinking, taking divine Mind as the sure gauge as to the worth or the worthlessness of the thoughts which he is entertaining. Of mortals it may be said that each dwells in a world of his own thinking; and no two mortals think exactly alike.

One who would learn the art of true thinking must first acquire the art of true listening, spiritual listening. Intelligent analysis of thought is gained only through constant, conscious communion with God, divine Love; through acquiring the habit of seeking the counsel of divine Mind before making even the smallest decision throughout the day. From this pure source there never proceeds unwise counsel, or any suggestion of sin, sickness, sorrow, or hate. Thoughts governed by divine Principle are serene, pure, merciful, just, and joyous. One cannot imagine Christ Jesus thinking indiscriminately, or being deceived into entertaining false beliefs about himself, about others, or about the universe. He reflected his Father's vision of all creation.

Christ Jesus illustrated the wise and tender leading of divine Love by the shepherd who, in the East, walks ahead, leading the flock past all dangers and barren regions, to green pastures and living waters. Provided they always follow the shepherd, the safety of the sheep is assured; but the sheep that run impulsively ahead may run into danger, or, if they should lag behind the shepherd, they would find themselves separated from the flock and would forgo the shelter of the sheepfold.

Knowing how prone mortals are to indulge their every whim, to yield to impulse, to drift into difficult situations from which they extricate themselves often slowly and painfully, Christ Jesus said of his obedient followers: "My sheep hear my voice." "And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." Thoughts which, if entertained, would estrange the Christian Scientist from God and His power; from loyalty to the Manual and to Mary Baker Eddy as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science; from loving fellowship with his friends and fellow members, could in our day be classified as the "voice of strangers." Similarly, any counsel seeking to divorce one's faith from the all-sufficient curative power of Spirit should be seen as a misleading materialistic suggestion, emanating from the so-called carnal mind, and luring those who accept it into self-deception, infidelity to divine Principle, and fruitless suffering.

On page 594 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives this definition of "sheep": "Innocence; inoffensiveness; those who follow their leader." Mortal mind, through pride, is apt to claim the right to be independent, and to think and decide everything for itself. It should be remembered, however, that—whether these be true or untrue—no one originates the thoughts which he is entertaining. Therefore, literally speaking, no one thinks for himself. He accepts or rejects, according to the degree of his spiritual enlightenment, the thoughts which present themselves at his mental doorway. The ignorant and the headstrong may be deceived into rejecting the divine counsel and accepting as true the "voice of strangers." On the other hand, as our Leader writes on page 210 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany": "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will towards men, health, and holiness." Who does not desire to demonstrate in his own daily life the omnipotence of good? To this end teachableness is an essential quality, coupled with humility, honesty, and trustworthiness.

It is because Mrs. Eddy knew how to listen for divine guidance and to obey it with unsurpassed courage, unselfishness, and wisdom that Christian Scientists, true to her teachings, are equipped to follow in the footsteps of the Master and to do the works which he said should be done in all generations.

On pages 150 and 151 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy writes that "God is our Shepherd. He guards, guides, feeds, and folds the sheep of His pasture; and their ears are attuned to His call." Because the obedience of spiritual man to God, his creator, is an everlasting fact, every individual honestly seeking the enlightenment of Truth will, through the surrender of mortal pride of opinion, doubt, fear, and self-will, eventually demonstrate man's relationship to God, and will walk in safety past the mental pitfalls, which ensnare only the disobedient or the unwary.

Spiritual progress is assured when one is alert and obedient, always listening for, rejoicing in, and unconditionally obeying the behests of divine Principle; and the more watchful he is, the keener will be his recognition of divine guidance and protection. Said Paul: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, ... be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."

Violet Ker Seymer

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