Different Points of View

Clifford P. Smith

Nearly all acts, including thoughts and words, can be considered from different points of view; and many acts should be. This proposed rule, if applied as occasions occur, would help to avoid blunders, to insure harmony in human relations, and to make the maximum use of divine Science.

One of the best illustrations for the rule just stated is furnished by a communication, oral or written. The effect or meaning of any communication depends at least partly on how it will be comprehended or construed by the person or persons to whom it is addressed or sent. Thus, an article or a poem in one of the Christian Science periodicals could be completely correct, as its author intended his words, but incorrect and misleading as it might be comprehended or fairly construed by readers. A contributor, therefore, no less than the editors, ought to consider and test his manuscript from the different points of view which are likely to be represented by the different readers who may see it. An article or a poem contributed to a periodical is a communication, not a mere soliloquy.

It is equally evident that an act or a situation is liable to be seen in different ways. In human relations, therefore, this possibility furnishes the reason for two applications of Christian wisdom. One who does anything (or puts himself in a position) which may affect or concern other persons, ought to consider the import or meaning of his conduct from their points of view. Likewise, they should endeavor to appreciate or test his conduct as he intended it—as it probably appeared to him.

When defending himself before a successor of Pontius Pilate, Paul said, "Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16). And Mrs. Eddy has said, "That error is most forcible which is least distinct to conscience" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 197). It is to be observed that one of these sayings or both of them imply the recognition of such a rule as the one stated at the beginning of this writing.

Of course, the basis of harmony in human relations is nothing less than love for God and man. Then, as Mrs. Eddy has said, "We should measure our love for God by our love for man" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 12). So, the Master declared the final test when he said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).

For the foregoing reasons, every person in human life is obligated to consider many of his contemplated acts from the points of view of other persons. He owes this obligation to them for their peace and protection; he can be said to owe it to himself for his own protection; and, first of all, he owes it to divine Principle. For the same reasons, one is equally obligated to consider the conduct of other persons as it may have looked to them. Put into the simplest terms, this obligation, in both of its aspects, is part of the moral and spiritual duty to do right.

In her prayer of rejoicing for Samuel, Hannah declared that "the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed" (I Sam. 2:1-10). For consistent Christian Scientists, the viewpoint always to be considered first is that of God. In any case which calls for choice or decision, they aim to be guided by divine Mind. In any situation which presents an alternative or a doubt, they endeavor to be governed by divine Principle. Indeed, they continually cultivate spiritual sense, the medium of man's unity with divine Spirit, so that difficult situations will be either averted or dissolved by the divine action and power which constantly comes to man as spiritual sight and thought.

In reality, God and man, infinite Mind and individual consciousness, have one point of view, and it is that from which absolute good is universal. Seen truly, this is the fact the substance, of every situation. From the human position, however, the seeming absence or opposite of good often presents a problem to be comprehended and solved in accordance with compassionate discernment and divine reality. Here is where Christian Science offers present and progressive salvation; for as Mrs. Eddy has said (No and Yes, p. 12), "The essence of this Science is right thinking and right acting—leading us to see spirituality and to be spiritual, to understand and to demonstrate God."

Clifford P. Smith

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Overcoming Error's Claims

December 26, 1931

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit