Editorial October 31, 1959 Issue

TODAY'S NEED FOR SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS

Harold Molter

IT is interesting to observe the alertness of birds and other creatures of field and forest. They are constantly on guard to protect themselves against danger and instantly respond to the slightest sound or movement in their environment. The cultivation and exercise of spiritual altertness by the Christian Scientist enable him to forward his progress and to protect himself from physical, mental, and moral discord.

The Italian origin of the word "alert" conveys the thought of standing on a watchtower or height. In many regions, wooded or mountainous, watchers are assigned to occupy high towers, where, elevated above their surroundings, they can discern the first signs of danger and notify the ground crews of the need for action.

The prophet Habakkuk, disturbed and discouraged by the wickedness and the oppression of the Chaldeans, found it necessary to lift his thought above the turmoil in his heart in order to discern God's message. He declared (2:1), "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved." And he received his answer in the assurance that righteousness ultimately prevails in the affairs of men.

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