Article November 23, 1940 Issue

"Approved unto God"

[Written Especially for Young People]

ELEANOR MARY ECKERT

"STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Paul's clear and trenchant command to his disciple, Timothy, may well be taken as a ringing call by all students of Christian Science.

In school we study to attain a better understanding of certain subjects, thus gaining the approval of our teachers. As "students of a demonstrable Science leading the ages" (Message to The Mother Church for 1901 by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 21), we are daily and hourly proving our ability to solve our problems correctly through the spiritual enlightenment which Christian Science brings us. We know that the answer to any question can be gained through our study of Christian Science, which teaches that there is only one Mind, God, of whom man is the perfect reflection. We endeavor primarily to show ourselves "approved unto God," instead of seeking merely the approval of human persons, and in this way our relations with all become more satisfying.

A student of Christian Science soon learns that the unfoldment of each of God's ideas is individual. Mortal mind with its subtle suggestions would attempt to destroy the seedling of truth in our thinking. We must guard our thoughts just as carefully and lovingly as we would protect and nourish a flower garden. While we are earnestly trying to solve some problem, endeavoring to realize that God's provision for His children is limitless good, it is often better silently to keep our own counsel, and not attempt hastily to communicate each unfolding thought to another. Mortal mind may seem to be curious, envious, or prying, and we must guard against it even though it appears under the guise of friendly concern, helpfulness, and kindness. It may be better to wait until the flowers in our garden of thought are completely unfolded, before sharing them with anyone else. Always we can be guided by wisdom in knowing what it will be helpful to say.

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