IF YOU WOULD HEAR, LISTEN

JOYCE CHANDLER PARKS

To all who would be free from the claim of deafness, learning to listen spiritually is an important factor in gaining that freedom. According to a dictionary, the word "listen" means "to give close attention with the purpose of hearing; to give ear." In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy defines "ears" as "not organs of the so-called corporeal senses, but spiritual understanding" (p. 585). To gain spiritual understanding and its resultant freedom, the first step is "to give close attention" or to be spiritually alert, to listen spiritually.

The question arises, To what is one to give close attention; for what shall he listen spiritually? The Bible tells us plainly (Isa. 1:10): "Give ear unto the law of our God." The law of God, which He gave to Moses, was the Ten Commandments. And the first of these Commandments, as explained in Christian Science, establishes the fact that there is one power only, God, or good, and that His law is the law of good. This law is the law of Spirit, the only real law, ever present and always in operation.

By giving close attention to the study and application of Christian Science, the student learns how to understand and use this law, how to work with God. In order to work with God one must listen for His voice, accept His guidance. How this is done is clearly shown in these words by our Leader (Science and Health, p. 89): "Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent." All erroneous suggestions of the material senses must be silenced if we wish to hear God's voice. This listening attitude requires stillness, receptivity to good, eagerness to progress, childlike trust in God's power, and acknowledgment of divine Love's presence at all times.

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