Article January 26, 1957 Issue

RECEPTIVITY

JAMES K. WESTOVER

In discussing the understanding which Spirit imparts, Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 505), "This understanding is not intellectual, is not the result of scholarly attainments; it is the reality of all things brought to light." It is apparent, then, that the door of spiritual unfoldment is closed to no one, but is open to all who recognize the divine Mind as the source of all true thought.

In acquiring learning and its subsequent wisdom, the first requisite on the part of the student is receptivity. Receptivity is a state or quality of being able to take in, or hold in thought. Merely having a thought presented to one does not constitute receptivity; that which is received must also be accepted and understood. In the parable of the sower, for instance, as related in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, and in similar passages in Mark and Luke, the soil received—accepted— the seed in each case, whether by the wayside, or upon stony places where no depth was provided for rooting, or among thorns, or upon fertile ground. But only that soil which provided true receptivity, the capacity to take in or hold the seed, brought forth fruit.

The spiritual idea is possessed of true receptivity. Mortal mind also claims to possess receptivity. During every waking hour impressions, suggestions, or instructions come to the individual by press, by radio, by television, or by conversation. They say to him: "Take me in, hold on to me!" We need frequently to examine our thinking, therefore, to determine whether we are taking in and retaining that which is good, that which will meet our needs, or whether we are permitting consciousness to be loaded with that which will restrict, inhibit, or prevent our rightful progress.

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