Article November 7, 1931 Issue

Intelligent Planning

EDNA GUGENHEIM

One of the qualities of divine Mind is intelligence. As demonstrated in human experience, this quality, derived directly from God, is expressed through the faculties which govern our actions, and in the readiness of understanding which enables us to make comprehensive decisions, or, as the Winston Simplified Dictionary puts it, in the "ability to meet a new situation, to solve a problem, or direct one's conduct or thinking effectively."

A plan is a proposed method of action or procedure. It is the result of thought; and an intelligent plan affords an open road to fulfillment. There is an appreciable difference, however, between outlining from the basis of personal desire and intelligent planning under God's direction. In her pertinent definition of "Mind" in the Glossary to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 591), Mary Baker Eddy writes, in part, "Deity, which outlines but is not outlined." How much human suffering would be eliminated, how much wasted time would be saved for right activity, if more heed were given to this simple statement! Deity, which outlines every true thought, which governs man's whole being according to perfect Principle, which has boundless resources with which to meet his every need, is never influenced, changed, or limited by human opinions, circumstances, or conditions. God, Mind, is always present to govern every situation. What we need to do is to put self-will out of the way and let the divine will operate in our thinking. This turning to God to direct and govern our thoughts and actions, with whole-hearted reliance upon Him to fulfill His precious promises, is our best possible assurance against failure.

The Christian Scientist begins by proving that man "has not a single quality underived from Deity" (Science and Health, p. 475). Since a primal or chief quality derived from Deity is intelligence, each one possesses by reflection the intelligence to discern what is the right aspect of any plan that comes up for consideration. He learns to view the situation calmly, knowing that God is already present to direct his thoughts and to unfold them at the proper time in the proper manner. He knows that brain never formed an idea, and that to each one is given the ability to meet every situation with the abiding conviction that when we ask God to help us He leads, directs, supports, and guides us aright. Suppose things do not work out just as we had thought they should. The purpose of God—divine Love—can never result in anything but good; and there is no limit to His bounteous love in the good He had prepared for His beloved children.

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