But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.—Matt. 12: 36, 37
These words were spoken by one who is quoted as the best authority by Christian people in every land. His language in this text draws the line very closely, but it is nevertheless true. He knew whereof he spake, and gave this commandment with as much authority as the command to preach the gospel. He never gave the impression that part of his instruction was for that age only, while the rest was for all time; so we must conclude that this text is for us now; and it means much to the Christian Scientist. We profess to live and demonstrate the teaching of Jesus, so far as we understand it, and the world's attention is naturally attracted, by our profession and demonstration, to see if it may not discover some error in it; and it is well it is so. "We have set up a higher standard than is now commonly taught, and this is why we need to so cultivate our thoughts that our works may prove our words. Our idle words find lodgement in some unsuspecting sense, there to grow and multiply their thorns and stings. But our good words are like the showers of spring, cheering and invigorating the thirsty heart, encouraging it to new energy and action. Christian Science brings true joy, but only as we guard well our thoughts can we dispense the right ideas of Love, which reform the sinner and heal the sick.
Our great Teacher continually directed his followers to God as the Author of all that is real and true. His whole earth-labor was to wean man from his belief that joy is found in serving the claims of the flesh, and teach him that he can learn his true being in Life, where joys are not fleeting fancies, but real and eternal. This breaks the bands of wickedness, and lets the oppressed go free from the pains of sickness and sin.
