Regardless of the type of situation which confronts one, a basic step toward making the right decision as to the course of action for him to follow is to make sure that his motive is right. If the motive is one of consecrated desire to act and live according to the leadings of God, then the resulting action will be harmonious and successful. In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 454), "Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action."
It makes no difference whether the situation is what humanity calls a long-range problem or a short-range problem. Nor does it matter if one already appears to be involved in a course of action which originally had an unrighteous motive. The long-range problem, the short-range problem, and the present situation can be blessed by right motives and by the correction of the wrong motive with the true.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus gave instructions which are generally recognized by Christendom as showing humanity the correct motives for governing their decisions. After advising his hearers to beware of trying to serve two masters and of putting emphasis on material things, Jesus said (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
