Article October 31, 1931 Issue

Willing Obedience

EUNICE TAGGART

In the first chapter of Isaiah we read, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Webster defines "willing" in part as "ready to act; ... not slow, lazy, or reluctant." As the student of Christian Science grows in understanding, he realizes how necessary to his progress is the attitude of willingness by which he can go forward and "eat the good of the land." Joy and gladness usually accompany willingness; and any duty performed without these accompaniments is not done in the spirit of true obedience. In order to be ready one must be alert, prepared, and listening for the voice of God. Therefore, the consecrated study of the Bible, together with "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and the other writings of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, is the best possible preparation for the reception of the truth.

Our Leader realized how necessary is willing obedience; and she has written in her Message to The Mother Church for 1900 (pp. 8, 9): "Learn to obey; but learn first what obedience is. When God speaks to you through one of His little ones, and you obey the mandate but retain a desire to follow your own inclinations, that is not obedience. I sometimes advise students not to do certain things which I know it were best not to do, and they comply with my counsel; but, watching them, I discern that this obedience is contrary to their inclination. Then I sometimes withdraw that advice and say: 'You may do it if you desire.' But I say this not because it is the best thing to do, but because the student is not willing—therefore, not ready—to obey."

Willing obedience might also be rendered loving obedience. Love is truly the foundation of all right activity—love for God and for our fellow man. Jesus recognized this when he said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." It is as if he had said that in proportion to our obedience is our love. Someone once said to a little child, "When you are in my care you obey me," and the little one answered, "Yes, I do, because I love you." This little one was a pupil in the Christian Science Sunday School, and had been taught to obey through love; therefore, she realized she must prove her love through her obedience. Our Leader tells us that children should be taught obedience; and how receptive they are to the thought of obedience through love, obeying willingly and joyfully!

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