Article June 25, 1979 Issue

Reading the signs of the times

ERWIN D. CANHAM

Christ Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and the Sadducees when they tempted him to show "a sign from heaven." He said, "O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?"^{Matt. 16:1, 3;} If we are to be spiritually effective citizens—global citizens—in this modern age, we too must be able to read the "signs of the times" and to put our discernment into effective action.

What do we mean by the familiar phrase "signs of the times"? We mean the inward significance of outward events. When we seek to read these signs, we are seeking discernment of the underlying meaning of the present and vision of the future. Thus armed, we are able to bring the spiritual capacities that God gives us to bear upon the healing of the nations. Acceptance of spiritual responsibility implements our role as global citizens, through healing that extends from the individual to the family, the community, the nation, and the world.

Mrs. Eddy explains: "It is recorded that Jesus, as he once journeyed with his students, 'knew their thoughts,'—read them scientifically. In like manner he discerned disease and healed the sick. After the same method, events of great moment were foretold by the Hebrew prophets. Our Master rebuked the lack of this power when he said: 'O ye hypocrites! ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?' "^{Science and Health, p. 85;}