Editorial September 14, 1981 Issue

Spiritual understanding determines destiny

BEULAH M. ROEGGE

We have long been advised that the senses are deceitful, and one doesn't need to know much about history to realize human beliefs are always changing. But spiritual understanding, coming from God, is totally reliable and available to all. Such understanding is an innate quality of the man of God's creating; he never lacks it and he perceives only what is true. Spiritual understanding spontaneously corrects untrue beliefs and determines the future.

Acknowledging that in our true being we really are God's offspring enables us to learn spiritual facts—facts which, when realized and utilized, stop alike the onrush of erroneous beliefs and the mere drift of doubt. "Spirit imparts the understanding which uplifts consciousness and leads into all truth," Science and Health, p. 505. Mrs. Eddy writes. And indeed she could say this both from her own experience and from close companioning with the Bible characters who spoke the truth of God and man. Spirit's impartation of understanding is something far more than human striving. Its animus is from God.

Even if we believe we don't know how to pray or what to pray for, Spirit will shape our prayers when we turn wholeheartedly to God—willing to learn, not just what we think we want to know, but whatever is needed. Paul states humbly, "We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Rom. 8:26. The Revised Standard Version translates that last phrase "with sighs too deep for words."

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