"Who made me a judge?"
Many of the world's woes stem from conflicting interests, opinions, and personalities. Jesus encountered an instance of this when a young man asked him, "Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." With spiritual insight Jesus gave this thought-provoking reply: "Who made me a judge or a divider over you?" Luke 12:13, 14;
Christ Jesus could not be drawn into the arena of combat. Although he was not indifferent to any human need, he recognized the power of the one Mind, God, to still the storms of worldly commotion, and he always maintained his spiritual perspective. Thus he turned each seeker's thought to God, and pointed the way to healing.
Sometimes we may feel that our progress is impeded by the presence of a "spectator-mind"—that we are being watched and judged. At others we may ourselves assume the attitude of a judge, to appraise and then acquit or condemn. In the process, we may mentally—and sometimes physically—feel effects from this kind of thinking.
If we think we are being watched by others, it is helpful to realize that there is one Mind only, which is divine Love, tenderly watching over and protecting every step Spiritward. In this understanding we find assurance that there is no other Mind, power, or influence. This realization removes the fear of other minds and annuls their seeming impact on our experience. Christian Science teaches that Christ, Truth, neutralizes error and destroys it, establishing the government of divine Love on the human scene.
The other aspect of a judging mind may seem a bit more difficult to deal with, because it seems to be the action of our own thought, and we are often unaware of this imposition of the inclination to judge. We may be embroiled in others' affairs as an observer, and mentally render verdicts all day long and still not suspect our error! Mere human opinion, devoid of spiritual direction, is incapable of forming correct conclusions. Acting on this personal level, we unwittingly place ourselves in the middle of controversy and add to the problem instead of contributing to the solution. Becoming indignant over others' misdeeds or shortcomings, taking sides, and condemning those we believe to be wrong—these approaches have never healed a situation. Instead of being overwhelmed with the enormity of error, we learn in Science to rejoice in the infinitude of Truth and to feel the healing power of divine Love.
The first step of correction is to recognize the imposition. The tempter would subtly suggest, "Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Gen. 3:5; When this judging tendency is indulged, far from becoming endowed with power or helpfulness, we become the servants of mortal mind and experience the limitation and discord of this so-called mind. Believing in the power of a material basis for good or evil is always a hazard.
Speaking of humanity's enslavement and the need for release, Mrs. Eddy gives this comforting promise: "Here Christian Science is the sovereign panacea, giving strength to the weakness of mortal mind,—strength from the immortal and omnipotent Mind,—and lifting humanity above itself into purer desires, even into spiritual power and good-will to man." Science and Health, p. 407; As we turn to Christian Science, "the sovereign panacea," false habits of thought begin to fade out, and man's original spiritual qualities come into focus. We recognize in Science that infinite Love is the Mind governing all, and each individual has his God-given status of divine sonship to demonstrate and enjoy without interference. We trust divine Love, the universal Father-Mother, to govern all of His children wisely and equitably. Thus we find freedom from the bondage of false responsibility.
Then, as we refuse to participate in mortal mind's falsities we recognize that man is ever at peace and safe under divine direction. At this point we begin to contribute to the peace of the world. Relying on divine wisdom eliminates the unavailing, though often well-meant, reactions of human thought.
When we are disturbed about the actions of others or question their motives, we may well remember Jesus' reply to Peter when Peter concerned himself about what John would do. Jesus said, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." John 21:22;
To help us follow the Christ-example Mrs. Eddy has given us rules by means of which we may check the quality of our thoughts to determine whether they are God-derived or produced by mere human reaction. One such rule is the By-Law in the Manual of The Mother Church entitled "A Rule for Motives and Acts," which includes the statement, "In Science, divine Love alone governs man." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 1; God-derived thought always blesses because it reflects divine power in recognizing and demonstrating spiritual harmony. We find the peace of God as we listen for and follow spiritual intuitions, the guidance of divine wisdom and Love. We learn to accept the righteous judgment of spiritual sense, in which the divine will prevails.
As all respect for a mortal, judging mind is dissolved in the contentment and security of spiritually understanding man's unity with God, we experience a taste of the joy described by Mrs. Eddy in regard to the victory over sin: "What shall we say of the mighty conquest over all sin? A louder song, sweeter than has ever before reached high heaven, now rises clearer and nearer to the great heart of Christ; for the accuser is not there, and Love sends forth her primal and everlasting strain." Science and Health, p. 568;
Who made us judges? Nobody did. "The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us." Isa. 33:22. God, understood in Science as infinite Mind, the actual Mind of man, saves us from believing in or indulging a personal mind apart from God. The weight of false responsibility is lifted, and we know the satisfying reign of divine Love, where strife and discord are forever unknown.
