TURN TO DIVINE MIND FOR WISDOM — AND BRING HEALING TO THE WORLD

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TURN TO DIVINE MIND FOR WISDOM — AND BRING HEALING TO THE WORLD
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on:

“Mind”
February 14-20, 2022

 Kathy Fitzer of Lake St. Louis, MO                kathyfitzer@gmail.com

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INTRODUCTION:

This wonderful Lesson on Mind helps us understand what it means to be truly wise.  We are given the examples of Solomon and Christ Jesus, both of whom went directly to God (to infinite Mind) to discern how to solve every problem they faced.  The answers they received were practical and thorough.  As we go to God — consistently turn to Mind for direction rather than depending on human intellect or reasoning — we can be sure that we, too, will be led to right answers and will bring healing to our world.

The GOLDEN TEXT is the final verse (v. 25) of the one-chapter book of Jude.  The letter, thought by many to have been written by one of Jesus’ brothers, is intended to urge Christians everywhere to defend themselves against false teachings that would pull them away from their faith. If we’re not alert, we, too, find ourselves believing in a power opposed to God that would distract, discourage, or confuse us. But, the last two verses of Jude are an assurance of God’s supremacy, and His power to keep them (and us) on the right path. Here Jude rejoices in the fact that God truly is the only source of wisdom, radiant with light and greatness, power and strength — now and forever.  Claiming that to be true, we are safe from the lies of evil, and subject only to the wisdom of God who “is able to keep [us] from falling and to make [us] stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing.” (Jude 1:24, NRSV)

The RESPONSIVE READING shows how practical the wisdom that comes from God is.  Looking at the Hebrew we find that wisdom includes the ideas of skill and wit.  The sound (or strong) wisdom that God gives directly helps the righteous — those who follow him and strive to do right.  There is no expectation that we will do everything perfectly from a human standpoint.  All we’re really being asked to do is acknowledge God (as Mind) to be the source of all right ideas and follow as closely as we can the leadings of Mind.  Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6 are very familiar ones — and sooo powerful.  They tell us to trust in God with everything we have (our whole heart) and not to rely on our own (our human) intelligence, understanding, or insights.  And, then comes the promise that as we acknowledge Him, be intimate with Him, submit and be obedient to Him, He will direct, straighten, and smooth our path.  Chapter 3 goes on to warn us to not think of intelligence or skill as a personal possession.  It comes from God and we must seek it from God.  Wisdom is compared to a treasure and described as “a tree of life”.  What more do we need?  So, whether we are facing a health challenge, appear to lack supply, are dealing with a relationship or employment problem, or striving to express more intelligence or ability in any endeavor, all we really need is to acknowledge God to be the source of all right ideas.  We can trust that God, as Mind, is forever imparting all the wisdom we need.  We can be confident that whatever answer we need is at hand and we can receive it as we humbly listen.

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SECTION 1:  HUMBLY ACKNOWLEDGE GOD TO BE THE SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM

No matter what we’re dealing with, the need is to recognize and praise God’s supremacy, as Daniel, Solomon, Paul, and so many others have done before us. Solomon understood what was most needed to be an effective leader.  When he heard God’s voice in a dream asking him, “What shall I give you?” he humbly responded, “an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad.”  He knew that his human intellect and experience would not be sufficient to enable him to make all the decisions he would need to make.  It also struck me that he spoke of the people as God’s people, and he referred to himself as a little child.  That description wasn’t based on his age, but a sign of his humility, his willingness to be led, and an awareness of his own human limitations. (citation B2, I Kings 3:3, 5-7, 9, 11, 12)

Daniel understood that the only reason he had been able to discern and interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, saving himself and many others, was because God, the source of all wisdom, had revealed the answers to him. (cit. B1, Daniel 2:20) The verses from Romans in which Paul acknowledges God’s supreme wisdom come on the heels of his wrestling with issues regarding the conflict between Jews and Gentiles in the budding Christian Church. (cit. B3, Romans 11:33, 34, 36). In each case, turning to God yielded the direction needed.

We need to start with the fact that “God, Spirit is All-in-all, and that there is no other might nor Mind,” as we read in the Christian Science textbook.  The sentence continues, “that God is Love, and therefore He is divine Principle.” (cit. S1, 275:6, 14-15) I love that final part.  Not only is God the supreme intelligence, but because God is Love, this wisdom and intelligence is freely shared to meet each and every need that may present itself to us.  God does know our needs, and supplies the answers. (cit. S4, 7:23) We just need to humbly listen.

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SECTION 2: THERE IS ALWAYS AN ANSWER

The story in this section gives a specific example of how God reveals practical wisdom even when the situation we may find ourselves in seems to be an impossible one. You’ll recall that two prostitutes came to Solomon, telling a tale of one live baby and one dead baby.  Each claimed that the live baby was theirs.  Considered a disreputable group in the first place there was no reason to trust the word of a prostitute.  To complicate things further, there were no witnesses and no father to confirm a story. It appeared to be a classic she said/she said situation with no logical means of resolution (cit. B6, I Kings 3:16-20, 22, 24-28). But, that didn’t stop Solomon.  A most unlikely answer came that solved the problem. Would Solomon have actually had the child cut in half?  That’s not the point.  He didn’t need to … the situation was resolved. Regardless of how impossible a situation seems to be, as we turn to Mind for direction, as we know Solomon was in the habit of doing, an answer will come — and often through most unexpected means. We can expect similar results.

Science and Health sums up what happened in this case — and what we can expect to happen as we wholeheartedly turn to God as the only Mind, in which “the entire being is found harmonious and eternal” (cit. S7, 151:26). We read, “immortal ideas, pure, perfect, and enduring, are transmitted by the divine Mind through divine Science, which corrects error with truth and demands spiritual thoughts, divine concepts, to the end that they may produce harmonious results” (cit. S10, 259:26)

In today’s world it seems we are constantly faced with situations for which there seem to be no easy answers — from political divides to global conflicts to protocols related to health issues.  But, nothing is too hard for Mind.  We need to get ourselves out of the way, stop looking at things from a logical human perspective, and be willing to listen for and follow Mind’s direction — even when it seems illogical.  Furthermore, let’s know that Mind is speaking and being heard by ALL!

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SECTION 3:  ASK FOR PRACTICAL WISDOM AND EXPECT TO RECEIVE IT FROM MIND

I have seen no evidence that Solomon received any extraordinary teaching.  Yet, he represents the epitome of wisdom — both worldly and spiritual wisdom. Many of the proverbs in the Bible were written by Solomon — although the book of Proverbs wasn’t put together until long after Solomon lived. According to Chrisitanity.com, a proverb is a “short saying that expresses a universal truth for practical, righteous living”.  They are a wonderful source of guidance.

What was Solomon’s secret?  We’ve already talked about how Solomon asked for wisdom.  Now we read, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart …” (cit. B8, I Kings 4:29, 32, 34). Read heart, but think mind, or intelligence. The wisdom and understanding Solomon expressed included the elements of skillfulness, wit, discretion and reason, according to the Hebrew.  What strikes me about that is that God gives useful wisdom.  In today’s language, Solomon didn’t just have a high I.Q. He expressed a practical wisdom that he applied to bring blessings to others, as well as to himself.

But, surely that wisdom wasn’t exclusive to Solomon. In the New Testament, the book of James shows how we can emulate Solomon’s success. It tells us that if any of us think we lack wisdom (don’t have the answers or direction we feel we need), we should ask God.  And, then the promise follows, that God gives wisdom abundantly to all (cit. B7, James 1:5).

Science and Health confirms that Mind — that’s God — isn’t dependent on education to be fully expressed.  Mind includes every right idea (cit. S11, 89:18-20). Intelligence is inherent in Mind and is all-knowing, ever-present, and the only power (cit. S12, 469:8).  In order for us to express unlimited intelligence, we simply have to accept that there is a law of God governing the universe and this law is an indisputable Science. If you were to study a human science, you would expect it to become practical in your life. Similarly, we need to make demands on the Science of Christ — or divine Science.  As we accept this Science as law, we see the intelligence that is inherent in Mind take active expression in our lives. Then we can expect to express the same kind of wisdom that Solomon expressed — knowing what we need to know when we need to know it — and making decisions that must bring blessings!

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SECTION 4: MIND DELIVERS US FROM TEMPTATION AND EXTERMINATES EVIL

Do you ever find your thought wandering into the realm of worry and fear or unproductive activity?  I do!  Even Jesus was tempted to listen to suggestions not coming from God.  So, we shouldn’t be surprised if our thought is similarly pulled. But, by standing up to the devil and responding to the temptations with the Word of God, Jesus demonstrated how to be victorious.  With each temptation he faced down, Jesus was strengthened to face future challenges (cit. B11, Matthew 4:1-11). The same holds true in our own lives.

The phrase, “Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” stood out to me this week.  The word tempted here comes from the Greek meaning both “testing” and “inducement to wrongdoing.”  That doesn’t sound like something Love would lead us into.  As Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Spirit is divine Principle, and divine Principle is Love, and Love is Mind, and Mind is not both good and bad, for God is Mind; therefore there is in reality one Mind only, because there is one God. …. Evil is nothing, no thing, mind, nor power” (cit. S15, 330:19-32).  That’s what Jesus demonstrated — and showed us, so that we can stand up to the belief  in a power apart from God as he did.

So … did God put Jesus into the position of being tempted, in order to strengthen him to accomplish his ultimate mission?  Are we put into difficult situations in order to be strengthened?  Each one must decide some of these things for themselves.  But, to me, it goes along with what we learn in Christian Science about Christ.  “Christ was demonstrated through Jesus to prove the power of Spirit over the flesh. … Christ illustrates that blending with God, his divine Principle, which gives man dominion over all the earth” (cit. S18, 316:7, 21).  Certainly, as God spoke to Jesus, “Christ … the true idea voicing good” speaks to our “human consciousness” — delivering us all from every suggestion of evil (cit. S19, 332:9-11).  God is always with us, as He was with Jesus.  Maybe sometimes what seems like an almost unbearable situation is simply the opportunity we need to see that divine presence and respond to it.

God spoke to Jeremiah while the Jews were exiled in Babylon.  He told him that the exiles would remain in Babylon for 70 years and that while they were there they should “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29:7).  But, he also assured them, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (cit. B9, Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV). God never leaves us.  He is ever-present!

We mustn’t judge our situation according to outward appearances, but respond with confidence (as Jesus did) that God is the only true presence and power, and that Mind knows what we need and will deliver us from all evil!

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SECTION 5:  HAVING THE MIND OF CHRIST LEADS TO HEALING

I love the distinction made in this section between “mortal mind-reading and immortal Mind-reading” (cit. S21, 83:25-32).  I think, sometimes, when faced with an opportunity for healing, we’re tempted to probe mortal thought, in search of a cause for the problem. Then we think we have to fix what we’ve uncovered — some specific sin, false belief, or character flaw — in order to bring about healing. That seems to me to be a form of “mortal mind-reading.” Mary Baker Eddy defines “immortal Mind-reading” as “a revelation of divine purpose through spiritual understanding, by which man gains the divine Principle and explanation of all things” (cit. S21, 83:25-32). That is very different.  It seems to me that this kind of reasoning is seeing the perfect man of God’s creating so clearly that everything unlike that perfect model fades away. In the process, error is uncovered and destroyed — but we don’t dig around for it.  As we “read” what Mind knows, what Mind knows reveals harmony in the human experience.

Isn’t that how Jesus healed?  In the case of the palsied man, Jesus started by forgiving the man’s sins. It was popular belief that if a man was sick it must be because he had sinned. When people accused Jesus of blasphemy, saying that only God could forgive sin, he simply continued to read immortal Mind — saw the man as God had made him — and the disease disappeared.  No one could argue with that.  When the man was no longer paralyzed, he was also no longer seen as a sinner (cit. B13, Matthew 9:2-8).

Can we heal as Jesus did?  Yes!  But, it demands that we take the same view of creation (let the same mind be in us) as Jesus had (cit. B12, Philippians 2:5). Matter has no power to be sick, or make sick, and no power to cure.  To heal as Jesus healed requires being “firm in [our] understanding that the divine Mind governs” (cit. S23, 393:16-21).  We can do that!!

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SECTION 6:  KEEP THOUGHT FOCUSED ONLY ON THE GOOD THAT MIND KNOWS

We are constantly bombarded by reports of sickness, sin, death, and destruction.  There seems to be turmoil everywhere we look in the world — near and far. And, yet, as Christian Scientists, we can (and must) follow the example of Jesus and have our view governed by God.  We must see the living Truth of Mind’s creation right where the evil appears to be.  There is always good because God is good.  Mind knows only good.  The fact is (even though it doesn’t look that way) that “all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all” (cit. S28, 468:10-11). Our job — our privilege — is to bring healing to all that crosses our path by holding to the true view of things.  As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]” (cit. 15, Philippians 4:7, 8 AMP).

Maintaining this view of good isn’t sticking our head in the sand or being ignorant.  It is, in fact, being wise.  And, as Solomon and Jesus blessed the world with their wisdom, we can also “shine like the brightness of the sky” and bless our world while also being blessed! (cit. B16, Daniel 12:3).

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More application ideas & Bible-based GEMs from Cobbey Crisler & others will be emailed later in the week.

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Ken Cooper’s “POETIC PRELUDE” shares Bible EXAMPLES of infinite Mind’s manifestations to bless EACH of us and ALL mankind!

• • Ken’s YouTube poem .
  • The poem
  • The poem

PDF copies are available under Downloads in the online version of  this Met.

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