MAKING DECISIONS

Every day one is confronted with the problem of making decisions. One frequently hears someone say, "I can't come to a decision concerning this problem," or, "I don't know which is the right step to take." As the prophet Joel said (3:14), "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision."

If one allows confusion, frustration, fear, irritability, or other erroneous suggestions of mortal mind to have a place in his thought, he can be sure that he is not in a position to make a correct decision. On page 392 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy reminds us that we shall be mastered by our decisions. How important it is, then, to give prayerful thought before making a final decision.

If the student of Christian Science should be tempted to remain for any length of time in the "valley of decision," he remembers to turn to the Bible and Science and Health for direction. Here he learns the truth of God and of man, which helps him in making decisions. Christian Science teaches that God is Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; that is, all-power, all-presence, and all-science or true knowledge. Science teaches that man is God's image and likeness, coexistent and coeternal with his Maker. When we understand that man is subject only to God, Spirit, and to nothing else, we can turn confidently to God for guidance, realizing that, as God's idea, man is governed, directed, and protected by God's unerring law.

One learns that in praying to God for guidance in making decisions, he must listen for the answer. The still small voice of Truth can be heard only when the material senses are silent. At one time when the disciples failed to cure a case of epilepsy, they asked their Master, Christ Jesus, why they could not cast out the devil. Jesus answered (Matt. 17:21), "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Mrs. Eddy states in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 190), "This declaration of our Master, as to the relative value, skill, and certainty of the divine laws of Mind over the human mind and above matter in healing disease, remains beyond questioning a divine decision in behalf of Mind."

It is essential that human will be silenced when one makes decisions. An important point to be considered is given by Mrs. Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 288): "If the premise of mortal existence is wrong, any conclusion drawn therefrom is not absolutely right." And she continues, "Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute." One must be careful not to be influenced by envy, jealousy, hatred, resentment, or false pride —all qualities of mortal mind. Only as we turn to divine Mind for guidance can we be certain to make correct decisions.

The Bible is replete with accounts of important decisions. One is reminded of the loyalty of Ruth, which impelled her to decide to remain with Naomi rather than return to her people, and of the faithfulness of the three Hebrews, who preferred to be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace rather than to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar, the king, had set up.

We also realize the strength of character which Paul displayed when he went to Jerusalem. Although he was in great danger, he said (Acts 21:13), "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

When a comparatively young student of Christian Science, I was called upon to make a very important decision. I was taken suddenly ill with a severe case of influenza. Because I was so ill that I was unable to think clearly for myself, I asked for help from a Christian Science practitioner. I had made plans to attend my association meeting in another city ten days from then; for that reason I was not too concerned when a few days passed with little or no improvement. However, when the morning before the association meeting arrived and there still was no change, it appeared that I would have to forgo the spiritual feast which I so desired. Knowing that provision has been made by Mrs. Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church for association meetings, I turned to God for guidance. It became clear that it was not right for me to be deprived of the inspiration and understanding which would be gained from this experience. I decided to go. A member of the family called the practitioner and told her of the decision.

From the moment that the decision was made, there were signs of improvement which continued throughout the day. At six o'clock that evening I arose for the first time in ten days. Partial preparations were made for the trip, but it was necessary to return to bed in a very short time. About an hour later I again arose and made further preparations, but again it was necessary to retire. The third time I arose, I was able to complete all the necessary preparations, and in a short time I was on my way. I attended the association meeting and gained the spiritual inspiration which I so desired and which resulted in a complete healing.

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says (p. 428): "To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,—this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true. Thus we may establish in truth the temple, or body, 'whose builder and maker is God.'"

One who is faced with an important decision can with beneficial results consider the words of Hymn No. 258 in the Christian Science Hymnal: