Many of us want to progress easily and rapidly in our understanding of God, divine Truth. Yet it doesn't always seem to be so easy. We may find ourselves "halting between two opinions," to use Mrs. Eddy's words. In Science and Health she writes: "Jesus loved little children because of their freedom from wrong and their receptiveness of right. While age is halting between two opinions or battling with false beliefs, youth makes easy and rapid strides towards Truth." Science and Health, p. 236.
Receptivity means to take in Truth, to accept it into thought and thus make it one's own. It means to feel what's right and good, not just theorize about it. This childlike quality, which is so needed by all of us, includes listening spiritually, following good, being teachable and humble. Receptivity allows us to understand something of God's presence and power. It helps us to perceive real substance.
Science and Health further states: "The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the 'still, small voice' of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony." Ibid., pp. 323-324.
