Article December 6, 1930 Issue

Consistency

MIGNONETTE C. STARKWEATHER

According to a dictionary, consistency is "the act of agreeing with; not being self-contradictory." Had Peter not doubted, but held consistently to the right thinking with which he started to walk on the water to Jesus, he would not have begun to sink; but, as it is recorded in the fourteenth chapter of Matthew, "when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." How many there are who are firm in their declarations of Truth when everything is going harmoniously, but who waver when beset by the boisterous winds of error! In order that one may produce the fruits of regeneration and healing—and this is the sincere desire of every earnest Christian Scientist—it is vitally important that one be consistent, that is, firm in thought and in the statement of the truth which is professed.

A mother once told a Christian Science practitioner that she had been faithfully treating her little girl every day, but that the child still manifested a discordant physical condition. Then she illustrated her work by giving a beautiful, clear, and correct audible treatment, voicing the allness and ever-presence of God, good, as the only power, and the truth of man as His image and likeness, and therefore perfect and harmonious. She felt that she clearly saw the child as in reality God's perfect child.

The conversation continued, and after a few minutes the mother said, "My daughter is very stubborn." Now, it is evident that a stubborn child is not a perfect child. It was pointed out to the mother that the child could not be both perfect and stubborn, and she was asked which of her own statements she actually believed. This error of inconsistency uncovered, the mother was able to see the child as really perfect, neither stubborn nor sick; and the demonstration of healing was made. We must beware of being merely letter perfect in stating the truth, while in our innermost thinking not believing what is declared.

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