Article July 20, 1935 Issue

Spiritual Sensitiveness

ELMER F. BACKER

THE trained musician hears not only the fundamental tones produced on a musical instrument but their overtones or harmonics. While these overtones are not readily distinguished by the casual listener, yet they are always present, giving to music fullness and brilliance. One need only learn to listen for these harmonics rightly, in order to hear and appreciate their beautiful qualities. This illustrates the higher sense, or spiritual-mindedness, which is conscious of and receptive to the "still small voice" of Spirit, speaking through divine ideas. The Bible records many instances of spiritual hearing and the response thereto, notably in the experiences of Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, David, Solomon, the prophets—to mention but a few.

Christ Jesus best expressed this sensitiveness to the ideas emanating from infinite Mind, God, and he unfailingly obeyed their divine message. He is the outstanding example of perfect living in accordance with Mind's impulsion, direction, and control. Beginning with his first recorded public proof of the power of divine Mind over material conditions, namely, the turning of water into wine, manifestly he progressively advanced in spiritual understanding, even to the point of overcoming death for others and for himself, and, finally, of rising wholly above false beliefs, in what is called the ascension. Again, his spiritual discernment enabled him to detect and respond to the earnest mental call of others for help, this being strikingly illustrated in the instance in the Gospel account of the woman who had been sick for twelve years. Jesus, sensitive to the mental need, immediately asked, "Who touched me?" Referring to this incident, Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 86): "His quick apprehension of this mental call illustrated his spirituality. The disciples' misconception of it uncovered their materiality. Jesus possessed more spiritual susceptibility than the disciples."

Mrs. Eddy expressed this spiritual sensitiveness and responsiveness to an unusual degree. Otherwise, could she have written the Christian Science textbook and her other writings, which so clearly show divine inspiration? Her works abound with evidences of waiting on God for inspiration, understanding, and guidance. Moreover, any earnest seeker can find the way to holiness and spirituality clearly pointed out in these writings, and, when studying them in conjunction with the Bible, can learn to understand and demonstrate for himself the truth of their teachings. This spiritual sensitiveness should be cultivated by all seekers of good, for it is indispensable to spiritual progress.

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