Article November 16, 1957 Issue

MAKING DECISIONS

MARY W. IMES

The necessity of making decisions or making a choice seems continually to beset men. At times the decisions may be quite trivial; again, they may be decisions upon which appear to rest one's whole future. Whether small or great, they must be given the same prayerful consideration. The prophet Joel has well indicated that there are "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision" (3:14). Then, as if thinking of the spiritual import of making right decisions, he continues, "The day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision."

Among the first things a student of Christian Science asks himself when faced with the necessity of making a wise and prudent decision are these: "Am I depending on divine Principle, God, or am I accepting erroneous suggestions of mortal belief, personal desire, or self-will?" He finds that the "day of the Lord is near" when he bases his reasoning upon the fact that there is only one Mind, God, and turns for guidance to Him alone.

The Christian Scientist does not as a rule discuss his plans in order to seek human advice, for in so doing he would become confused by many opinions and would render himself less able to hear God's voice. He knows God's voice can be heard only within the stillness of a listening heart. As the material senses are stilled, divine intelligence directs, and divine Love protects. The Psalmist advised (Ps. 46:10), "Be still, and know that I am God."

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