Article September 14, 1968 Issue

Obedience: Shortcut to Harmony

MILDRED KENDALL SNYDER

Obstacles to a desired end often appear because one has not accepted the necessity for obedience. Indeed, the word "obedience" is sometimes distasteful to one who does not understand its role. But as we perceive its necessary place, it becomes a light guiding to success.

Obeying the laws of the land is accepted practice for responsible people who have been educated to appreciate the value of law. Willingness to obey spiritual laws grows in proportion to one's understanding of God, for understanding and obedience are inseparable.

Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health, "The only guarantee of obedience is a right apprehension of Him whom to know aright is Life eternal."^{Science and Health, Pref., p. vii;} To know God is to know His relationship to man as Father-Mother. The Supreme Being, ever-present and omnipotent Mind, is not a contradictory or unpredictable monarch meting out harsh justice to mortals. He is all-inclusive Love, and only the consciousness imbued with spiritual love can discern and approach Him.