The question, "What shall I do?" is one which confronts us daily in all our activities and associations. In business, in the home, in fulfilling our responsibilities as voters, in unsolved physical problems, we are frequently called upon to make decisions, and the questions often arise: What is the right thing to do? Which way shall I choose? The answers to these questions affect the lives of individuals and ultimately the history of nations. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that we learn how to make right decisions, and this can be successfully accomplished through a consistent study and application of the teachings of Christian Science.

In an enlightening statement in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 264): "Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

In any human situation requiring a decision, or an answer to a question, the Christian Scientist learns to turn his gaze away from the problem to "the unsearchable realm of Mind," as our Leader tells us to do. He acknowledges divine Mind as his Mind, and his intelligence as the reflection of the divine. He claims divine authority and dominion by reason of man's spiritual sonship. The Scientist's duty is to acknowledge the immediate presence of the one perfect Mind, and let it reveal to him the angel message— the Christ-idea which dispels all indecision, uncertainty, fear, and guides into right modes of thought and action.

As Christian Scientists we must learn to trust divine Mind as little children unquestioningly accept the care and guidance of their parents. We must learn to trust divine Principle to guide our lives just as certainly as we trust the principle of mathematics to solve our mathematical problems. Every statement of Truth in Christian Science is not only universal in its application, but when trustingly acknowledged it also brings the light which dispels mental darkness and indecision.

There is a spiritual idea available to resolve every problem and meet every human need. Speaking of the Word of Truth, the prophet Isaiah records God as saying (55:11), "It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

We must be alert not to become entangled in the mazes of human will or material thinking. Human reasoning is correct only when it comes under the guidance of divine Mind, which silences human will, dispels ignorance, and eliminates fear and indecision. Jesus' prayer (Luke 22:42), "Not my will, but thine, be done," opened to him the treasures of Truth and gave him ability to act with divine authority.

Human consciousness must be kept receptive to the revelations of God's angel messages, for we can never say how or when they will come to us. If one is confronted with the necessity of making a decision, or a choice between two or more procedures or people, he can be assured that the right guidance is fully available. As he seeks the absolute facts of Mind's presence and direction, it may be revealed to him that the choice is not between predetermined courses or people. God's provision and guidance may unfold an entirely new course of action, or an unexpected relationship, as a completely satisfying and right answer to a difficult question.

Nothing is gained by dwelling on a problem or trying to force a human decision. Our work is to plant ourselves on the spiritual facts, to cling to the spiritual realities of being and let them guide thought into right paths. We should hold fast to the fact that God is our Father-Mother, our one guiding Principle, our sole employer, our only physician, our faithful friend, our strong defense, and the source of all action and every right decision. Then we can confidently proclaim with the Psalmist (Ps. 18:32), "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."

In answer to a question by one of his disciples Jesus replied (John 14:6), "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." In this passage Jesus referred not to his human personality as the way, but to the truth which animated his thought and action. The Christ, Truth, is now and ever available to answer every question, reveal right human footsteps, and solve every problem, physical and mental and moral. Out of her rich experience our Leader advises us (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 149,150): "Remember, thou canst he brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee. Therefore despair not nor murmur, for that which seeketh to save, to heal, and to deliver, will guide thee, if thou seekest this guidance."

Harold Molter