Why honesty matters

DANIS MUTCHLER. SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

As our staff sat in the planning meeting for this issue, no one was readily volunteering to write this "Upfront" introduction. And I had the growing feeling that even though I'm on the design staff, it was my turn. I kept seeing long-ago scene of me standing by the phone in my college dorm room, about to learn a lesson.

I had just lied to my parents. Never mind what about. I virtually never lied—especially to them. So there I stood, by the phone, guilty. But rationalizing why the lie had been for the best. They'd never know. Why not spare them the anguish, save them from getting disappointed and upset? And in fact, this lie had saved my hide. ... Oh. There it was. The honest reason why I'd lied was to save me. Hardly a unique motive for deception, but this self-knowledge—well, it felt bad.

Then, a grand thought arrived in my consciousness. It had the immensity and validity that could have its origin in God. It was succinct and powerful and unavoidably right: "The truth matters more than your hide does."

This thought brought a new awareness—that truth is way beyond human. It's not relative. It can't be manipulated. It's an infinitely permanent, real thing. God, in fact, is Truth. And my personal "hide" was of no particular consequence in comparison. This awareness sank deep into me, so I stood there in awe of the supremacy of Truth.

All my excuses were summarily swept aside. Without hesitation, I called my parents back, confessed, and apologized. It didn't matter what the ramifications would be (and they were reasonable). With clarity, I knew that all that really mattered was telling the truth.

And that's what this issue will talk about—the pure Truth that is God, and how this spiritual fact relates to our own truthfulness. Whether a given article is specifically on that topic, or another, Christian Science is all about truth-telling—telling it like it is. May these articles provide a support, a guide, even a healing breakthrough in your experience.

WHAT I SAY UNTO YOU I SAY UNTO ALL, WATCH.—JESUS

The Christian Scince Sentinel was founded in 1898 by Mary Baker Eddy, and its mission remaints the same: "to hold guard over Truth, Life, and Love." The Sentinel continues to report on the unlimited ways that the healing power and presence of the Christ activates, uplifts, and transforms the lives of everyday people around the world.

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