Article May 30, 1983 Issue

"With all thine heart"?

ANN S. LAUGHLIN

Most of us are accustomed to periodic evaluation of our work performance. Sometimes we are asked to rank ourselves on such qualities as dependability, self-reliance, and honesty. In the area of thoroughness and totality of effort, what is our performance? Probably not all we would like it to be.

Students of Christian Science are taught the importance of constant self-examination in terms of obedience to its teachings and success in applying its rules. They test the thoughts they entertain and their subsequent actions to see if these measure up to the standard of divine Truth and Love. Mrs. Eddy uses the words "in proportion" many times in her writings as she helps the reader see the direct relationship between one's faithfulness, or wholehearted devotion to God, and his ability to demonstrate this Science in his daily life.

The book of Acts relates an experience of Philip the evangelist. "The angel of the Lord" directed him to take the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he came upon an Ethiopian eunuch, a devout seeker of Truth, who was reading Isaiah. After Philip had explained the scriptural text, and the mission and teaching of Christ Jesus, the Ethiopian asked to be baptized. Philip made clear the requirement for baptism, replying "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest."^{ Acts 8:26, 37.}

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