Article October 5, 1946 Issue

Acknowledging God

IDA LUCKE WILBUR

Centuries ago the Israelites were called upon to examine the measure of their faith in God by the question put to them by Moses (Deut. 7:17), "If thou shalt say in thine heart, these nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?" This question compelled them to examine and honestly face their innermost convictions as to which they were trusting—God, or themselves as mortals? Moses knew that to merit God's protection and deliverance they must fulfill a very definite requirement, namely, to recognize and acknowledge God's almightiness and thereby overcome their fear. Under Moses' leadership they had found deliverance from the Egyptians and a safe passage through the Red Sea. Later, they were confronted on all sides by nations which loomed up like giants. But in each instance there was always one who was spiritually alert enough to receive God's guidance, which enabled them to find safety and security.

The false belief that person, place, or thing is more real and powerful than God is one of the subtle suggestions of mortal mind. The destruction of the walls of Jericho, the overcoming of Goliath, the deliverance from the lions' den—all illustrated what faith in God will accomplish. Problems differ widely, but the solution is always found in the spiritual understanding that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," and there is none else. In the measure that this truth is realized, mortal mind and its claim to power are silenced.

During World War I our family, together with some neighbors, decided to take dinners out at a near-by home. On one occasion a heated discussion arose over the war situation. Wishing not to harbor any bitterness, I took no part in it. Suddenly, in the presence of twenty guests, I was denounced as a traitor and my religion—Christian Science—was slandered. I was speechless, and felt that I could never return to that home.

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