Article May 18, 1981 ISSUE

Divine spontaneity or human impulsiveness?

ERMA LEA MARTELL

Recently a friend telephoned to discuss a troublesome matter in which we both had been involved. The following day I suddenly decided to phone and thank her for her call. After hanging up, I asked myself what had prompted me to call back. Judging by the helpful effect of that action, I could perceive that not human impulsiveness but God-given spontaneity had prompted it.

Yet how many times have we acted impulsively and afterward berated ourselves and fervently wished we always knew when to speak or act and when to refrain!

The Bible and Science and Health give many rules of thumb for resolving this predicament. Inspired writers in both the Old and New Testaments stress the importance of a good and pure heart. Christ Jesus said: "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Matt. 12:34,35. First of all we can examine ourselves to see if we have sufficient love for God and our fellowman to want to give up the mindless, impulsive thrust that can be so destructive—words that once blurted out can never be recalled. A deep Christian desire to control our words and actions is the first step in demonstrating the God-reflected wisdom of our true selfhood.

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