Article April 13, 1981 Issue

Seize God-given opportunity

PATRICIA M. WHITE

Holding the wrong concept of opportunity is like looking through the wrong end of a telescope. But we can discover the right sense of opportunity by gaining the right view of man. Because man actually is the likeness of God, he can lack nothing. Man is the expression of divine Mind, the full and infinitely varied manifestation of his creator. Therefore man is not only the recipient of all good, he is and must be the expression of it as well. His completeness is in God, and his dominion "over all the earth" is by divine decree. He is animated by Soul, empowered by divine might, and imbued with divine Love.

Our recognition of this true idea of man, and our daily identification of ourselves as God's spiritual, ever-active expression, bring an awakened and correct view of opportunity. It is a remarkable change. Suddenly we are looking through the right end of the telescope. Narrow, limited concepts give way to grander views. Opportunity no longer appears to be lost, fluctuating, or obstructed by time, space, lack, or prejudice. In fact, one sees that the right to spiritual and human progress is not composed of outward circumstances at all. Our individual unfoldment is unlimited and is actually already at hand. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, says, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307. Spiritual ideas reveal to human consciousness unlimited opportunity for employment, friendship, positive family relationships, constructive racial relationships—for progress in any worthwhile activity.

It becomes obvious, then, that opportunity is not limited for mankind; it is limited by mankind, by the false concept of opportunity as being a set of favorable material circumstances presenting themselves to an individual at a certain moment, which must be acted upon or lost. How impossible for anything good to be limited or lost! In fact, circumstances that seem unfavorable often force us to turn more wholeheartedly to God; and as we do this, lifting our gaze above material sense testimony, limitations begin to fall away.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Holy war
April 13, 1981
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit