Article September 25, 1948 Issue

GIVING THAT "JUST ACKNOWLEDGMENT"

BETTY ROBERTSON

The expression of gratitude is an effectual aid to spiritual progress. Many who, in the light of the teachings of Christian Science, have studied the Gospel narrative of Christ Jesus' healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17:12-19) have been puzzled that but one—a Samaritan —returned to acknowledge the benefits received. Surely, the healing of that dread disease should have brought down showers of praise and grateful thanks from them all. Why, then, the ingratitude of the nine? Why their reluctance to give credit to God, to acknowledge the divine Principle which had healed them? May it not have been that fear of criticism, pride, or lack of courage kept them from openly giving thanks for their healing, as it often does today?

On page 372 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy gives us this thought-provoking statement: "In Christian Science, a denial of Truth is fatal, while a just acknowledgment of Truth and of what it has done for us is an effectual help. If pride, superstition, or any error prevents the honest recognition of benefits received, this will be a hindrance to the recovery of the sick and the success of the student." Those who have heeded this message have found that the genuine recognition of good has opened the door to greater blessing.

Our Master and Way-shower commanded his followers not only to preach the gospel but to heal the sick. Preaching and healing, according to the teachings of Jesus, go hand in hand. Are we obeying his command and acknowledging to the world the glad tidings that Truth heals? Are we acknowledging with gratitude the bountiful blessings poured upon us daily by our heavenly Father, divine Love? "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy," say the Scriptures (Ps. 107:2). There are many ways in which we can justly acknowledge our many benefits. When divinely directed, we may tell the glad news of healing to our friends and neighbors, our office associates, or our schoolmates. Proofs of the healing efficacy of Truth appear each month in The Christian Science Journal and each week in the Sentinel. We may send our just acknowledgment, properly verified, to these periodicals.