Article November 18, 1933 Issue

On Giving Testimony

ERIC ERNEST TIPPLE

Many arguments of the carnal mind may operate in individual human consciousness to prevent or postpone the proper rendering of thanks at Christian Science testimony meetings. These erroneous mental suggestions, if given credence, conspire to awaken fear with its limiting influence, and through entertaining it a would-be giver of thanks remains seated and leaves the testimony meeting with a sense of frustration and disappointment.

In considering this problem—for so it seems to many—it is helpful to examine from the standpoint of Christian Science the validity of the seeming objections or impediments to the giving of testimony. These include distrust of one's God-given abilities, self-depreciation, self-condemnation, fear of what others may think or say; in other words, a failure to adhere to the correct concept of man as revealed in Christian Science. These are relevant factors which militate against that expanding thought which prompts right action. The acceptance of these mesmeric influences of the carnal mind, which is "enmity against God," may bar an audible expression of gratitude.

Since man is the offspring of God, there can be no cause for distrust and doubt, and fear is not legitimate. Through the blessed revelation of Christian Science man is found to be the beloved child of God, essentially and eternally free to express only good. Freedom and joy are inseparable, and the man of God's creating can do no less than give glory to God continuously. He has no fear, and continuously expresses joyous living; he is ever conscious of his unity with infinite intelligence. He knows his inseparability from all-embracing divine Love, which excludes fear and doubt. These last are without Love's sanction. They are powerless to limit the righteous activity of Mind's reflection.

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