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Prayerful decision-making

From The Christian Science Journal - October 9, 2014


Decisions, decisions … For some, they’re easy. Make a list of pros and cons. Read about the options. Ask others for their opinions—decision made. But for others, making decisions can be challenging, especially when there is no idea about what to do or where to begin. Some decisions have rather inconsequential outcomes. But many times, larger and more consequential decisions loom. Which college should I attend? Should I take this job? Should I buy this house? Should I marry this person?

Whether decision-making seems challenging to you or not, there is a way to approach the process through understanding that God is the supreme and only Mind, or intelligence. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, faced many critical decisions in her life and always relied on God for guidance. The definition of God in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy offers insight into her understanding of God as divine Mind: “God. The great I AM; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence” (p. 587). It is reassuring to know that no matter what we are faced with, there is an ever-present divine power, Mind, governing and guiding us.

As the all-seeing, God perceives and discerns our needs. As the all-knowing, divine Mind comprehends and understands these needs. As the all-acting, He leads us, providing us with right ideas. And as the all-wise, our divine Parent guides and governs intelligently. As Mrs. Eddy writes: “The ‘divine ear’ is not an auditory nerve. It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied” (Science and Health, p. 7). We can be assured that because God is Love, He continuously cares for His blessed creation. As the perfect creation of perfect God, man reflects spiritually all that God intends for us as His image and likeness. Consequently, as the expression of Mind, man includes intelligence, wisdom, and purpose. These are part of our being as God’s creation. We can trust that His unfoldment for us is perpetual and that no power or influence exists to keep us from recognizing God’s presence and guidance.

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