Article February 18, 1985 Issue

Let God do the outlining

VIRGINIA ATHERTON WATSON

"What is thy Father's plan/For His beloved son?" ^{Christian Science Hymnal, No. 382.} are words from a favorite hymn. This question could be asked in humility by anyone seeking the solution to a problem, whatever it may be. To pray to be willing to fit in with His plan is divinely right. God knows nothing of human plans, nor does He outline human outcomes. His plan for man is good, though—far beyond and above that which we could outline for ourselves. As the Psalmist says, "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot." ^{Ps. 16:5.} What more could we desire than divine maintenance of our destiny?

One might ask, How much of our own planning is good, and how much is mere human outlining? It is certainly wise to plan ahead for any worthwhile activity, but this should be done under divine guidance and with accompanying prayer. On the other hand, a preconceived, rigid outline of how one thinks his affairs should work out is the result of human will and is liable to block, temporarily, the unlimited avenues for good that our Father has for us. Human will closes our thought to divine unfoldment. Truth unfolds to our waiting thought as we are receptive and put our trust in God. Even when confronted with the crucifixion, Christ Jesus said, "Not my will, but thine, be done." ^{Luke 22:42.}

Part of the definition of Mind given in the Glossary of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy reads, "Deity, which outlines but is not outlined." ^{Science and Health, p. 591.} The fact that God is the one who outlines gives unlimited freedom, not restriction, to His idea, man. And to the degree we understand this spiritual fact, we approach the divine ideal and better demonstrate it.