Article March 28, 1936 ISSUE

Discriminating Desire

LOUISA MAY WHINNOM

IN secular affairs, it is a common thing for one who has set himself a certain goal to attempt to reach it through persistence of the human will and desire. The prevalence of this human trait renders it necessary that self-will be taken into account by the Christian Scientist at all times. This means that thought should be closely examined, even minutely dissected, in order to perceive whether the element of human will or selfish ambition be lurking behind one's impulses. As of old, "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

The statement, "Desire is prayer," on page 1 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, is often used by students. The ensuing words with which our Leader clarifies and completes this statement are, however, not so frequently referred to. She says, "And no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds."

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