IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON August 17, 2009 Issue

LIVING WISELY

ANN EDWARDS

While Reading this week's Christian Science Bible Lesson, titled "Mind," I was struck by the connection it makes between wisdom and obedience to God—specifically, how putting God first in our lives helps us to live wisely, and to understand God as the one Mind.

Section I begins: "And God spake all these words, saying, Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:1, 3, citation 1). In Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy wrote that this commandment was her "favorite text" because it signifies that "all men shall have one Mind"—the basis for "the Science of being, by which man demonstrates health, holiness, and life eternal" (p. 340, cit. 1).

The Responsive Reading promises "length of days, and long life, and peace" to those who obey God's commands (Prov. 3:1, 2). Interestingly, the first nine chapters of Proverbs, from which the Responsive Reading is taken, emphasize the connection between obedience to God's laws and the ability to find wisdom. In fact, these chapters are the most explicit in all of Proverbs about such a connection. Bible scholars believe them to be the book's most recent addition. By placing these chapters first, the compilers of the book of Proverbs ensured that the readers began their study with the recognition that wisdom and understanding can be found by obeying God's laws.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
PARENTING
NO MILES BETWEEN
August 17, 2009
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit