Article May 8, 1971 Issue

Self-condemnation Is Error

ROBERT J. HILL

In our true being you and I are created in God's likeness, and only if we lose sight of this spiritual fact can we presume to condemn ourselves. Who could condemn the image of the Divine? The error that would make one condemn himself is based on animal magnetism, or the belief in an influence other than divine Principle. And the subtle suggestion that certain actions justify self-condemnation is properly negated only by gaining a correct concept of self. One who is consistently aware of his true identity is never guilty of self-condemnation.

Although the tendency to err seems inherent in mortals, one who discerns the spiritual fact about himself and corrects mistakes by taking the practical step of reformation has no need to look back and wonder about the "how" and "why" of former error. His emphasis must be on firmly establishing the truth in consciousness so that he has no inclination to repeat his mistake.

We have the glorious example of Paul, who saw clearly the error of regretfully dwelling in the past. The Bible records that Paul had plenty of reason for self-condemnation because of his persecution of Christians in his early years, when his name was Saul. We read that "he made havock of the church,...and haling men and women committed them to prison," Acts 8:3; and that he consented to the stoning to death of Stephen, a follower of Christ Jesus.

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"Never plead guilty"
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