Article May 14, 1932 Issue

Treasure

JOHN L. MOTHERSHEAD

JESUS clearly pointed out the connection between a man and his treasure when he said, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." There is no better way to understand a man than by examining what he treasures. One keeps as treasure only that upon which he places value, and through seeing his treasure we may perceive his estimate of values. The art collector stores beautiful pictures and jewels; the student, worthwhile books; the athlete, medals showing his athletic prowess; and when we consider life from a basis of thought, we see that men follow the same procedure with thoughts as they do with things.

As Christian Scientists we are in a position where we are able to choose for ourselves what kind of thoughts we shall think. Our choice is between the real and the counterfeit. Real thoughts are of God, who is the only Mind; and so the creator of all true thoughts. Mortal mind seems to imitate the divine Mind and claims to be able to create thoughts of its own—thoughts of fear, of sickness, of hate, and all the etcetera which go with the material concept of existence. Thus what we call our goodness consists of the thoughts or ideas of God which we have accepted; while what we call our badness consists of the thoughts we have accepted from so-called mortal mind.

If one accepts and keeps a certain type of thought stored away in his consciousness, it means that he values that thought, or else he values a view of himself or others which necessitates treasuring that type of thinking. If one appreciates and magnifies the good and the pure, then he values that which is good and pure, and he will admit into his consciousness only thoughts of that nature.

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