Article November 1, 1958 Issue

RECEPTIVITY

LA VONA LINHARDT

Christian Science teaches that in order to be healed, one must be receptive to the truths of God and man. When a healing is delayed, the aggressive suggestion often comes, "I am not receptive to spiritual truths." "I am not receptive to spiritual truths." How can one refute this suggestion and readily receive all the angel thoughts God has for him? He can turn to God with the desire to receive into consciousness the understanding of the perfection of God and of man, God's likeness.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 323, 324): "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony." In this statement, we note the qualities of thought which make us receptive. There must be a willingness to give up the old material concepts of life, health, joy, and supply for the new and true views of them as spiritual. And we must give up these false concepts gladly, joyfully. There should be no wistful yearning for things to continue to remain as they were.

The Apostle Paul reminds us (II Cor. 5:17), "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Is not this what we all really desire: to be in Christ, to have the old mortal concepts pass away, and to be conscious of the verities of real being, to feel newness of Spirit, God?

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"THE INSPIRED WORD OF THE BIBLE"