A common question I receive from inquirers is how to know when one is under the influence of divine Mind or acting under the impulse of the selfish mind.
I came across some wise counsel Mary Baker Eddy shared with one of her students when she felt he was acting under the influence of human impulse rather than divine wisdom. Evidently, he was getting very restless and felt impelled to move out of his city and find another place of employment for his practice. Mrs. Eddy thought otherwise.
She wrote,
“Do you desire to change your location? I know of no reason why you should change your place. When any strong impression comes to you in such lines, ‘try the spirits’ before you submit. Mentally treat yourself that nothing can govern your actions or come to your thought that is not from the divine Mind. Be strong there.”
“So many sinister suggestions come to mind, watch! And each day commit yourself to the care of our one Parent, trust Him, turn to Him in all your ways for light to direct your footsteps and wisdom to enable you to separate the tares from the wheat—so that you can judge well between the human or the evil ‘suggestion’ and the good or divine impulse.” We knew Mary Baker Eddy, Volume II, p. 273.
When we aren’t sure about what to do, God is always sure. But to hear the divine guidance, selfish desire, egotistical wants, and pride must be silenced. They get in the way and lead to poor choices. But when personal sense is shut down, spiritual sense takes over, we hear God’s direction, and wise choices are made.
Thanks, Evan. The sentiments are particularly relevant to my situation right now. These inspirations are something to cling to and to cherish when making decisions.
Thank you, Evan. This has always been a hard one for me, too. My resolution would be to examine whether or not it was aligned to the synonyms for God and this was a great help. Yet, not always enough as it would seem that some decisions were later not always a wise choice.
Perfect timing for what We need here as well! Happy New Year to you and your family! I hope you have some idea of what a wonderful light you bring to do many!
…”so many.”!!! ( sorry for the typo! )
I’m so glad you found this. It’s really on the mark.
Yes, so very good. Thank you! So often we tend to react rather than to respond.
I find that the mouth and toung are the two most dangerous parts of the human body for they are first to explode into human mistakes. Especially in arguments. The best example that I hold dearly is when Pontius Pilate was goading Jesus and how and when Jesus answered.
He was quiet until Jesus received a quick and non-combative answer from Divine Mind what to say.
Thank you Evan
One idea I gleaned many years ago from a Chrstian Science Monitor “Daily Religious Article” was to never make a decision or take an action based on fear. This idea also finds support in 1 John 4:18, and in Mrs Eddy’s statement: “Love inspires, illumines, designated, and leads the way.” (Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, page 454:18)
Scott
Another “how to know” from James 3:17
” But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”