I would love some more explanation of this quote. Not sure I get it. Confusion is an opportunity for prayer, to sort things out spiritually, right? But to say that the enemy is “winning” when you’re confused, I’m not sure I understand what is meant by that.
Dear Grace: God is our mind, our thoughts, our decisions. Mortal mind isn’t. That’s the answer. The mistaken attitude that leaning not on ourselves is a week ness is false. Leaning on human emotions or opinions could lead use either the right way or the wrong way. It’s really a form of gambling when you think about it and gambling has to do with luck. A true lean on God takes luck out of life’s equation and guarantees success.
I get what you mean by that quote, and agree. In a situation like that, I have to stop error getting more control, go in my “closet” – the answers are always there when we are open
to God’s direction.
Often when I’m confused it really means I haven’t decided whether I’m going to side with Spirit or matter. As long as I’m on the fence, matter is usually still ruling the issue. As soon as I come down firmly on the side of Spirit it resolves. To me, that’s what it means about the enemy winning…
I like what Mary Baker Eddy says of decisions in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:
“If you decide that climate or atmosphere is unhealthy,
it will be so to you. Your decisions will master you, whichever direction they take.
Reverse the case. Stand porter at the door of thought.
Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in
bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously.” (Pg. 392)
“If mortals think that food disturbs the harmonious
functions of mind and body, either the food or this thought
must be dispensed with, for the penalty is coupled with
the belief. Which shall it be? If this decision be left
to Christian Science, it will be given in behalf
of the control of Mind over this belief and every
erroneous belief, or material condition.” (Pg. 389)
If one says or thinks, “I’m confused,” that one is arguing on the wrong side. The image and likeness of God would never make such a statement. The correct declaration would be, “I am not confused because I am the image and likeness of God.” How strengthening is such a declaration!
DEAR SPIRITVIEW FAN, thanks for these quotes – perfect. Too often we only think or use part of the 1st quote, and the whole thing is more precise & deeper. The 2nd one is so applicable too.
Loved what BigSky wrote—That’s IT, in a nutshell. Confusion etc. shows us we have not made it clear in our thinking whether we are on Spirit’s side or listening to matter’s beguiling call. I loved BigSky’s “am I sitting on the fence?” I shall ask myself that question from here onward. That makes it so clear!!! Which side of that fence are we on? or are we balancing on the top—let us quickly jump over onto God’s side where all healing takes place and there is no more confusion.
In this week’s lesson the apostles returned to their old profession-fishing maybe without knowing/confused what to do next? Therefore they caught nothing. They probably found themselves more confused when they could not even catch fish. Someone or some of them must have turned to prayer because they heard Christ Jesus call to them – in the early dawn, and they obeyed his command to throw their nets ON THE RIGHT SIDE. They made a concrete decision and the demonstration was undeniably obvious.
I would love some more explanation of this quote. Not sure I get it. Confusion is an opportunity for prayer, to sort things out spiritually, right? But to say that the enemy is “winning” when you’re confused, I’m not sure I understand what is meant by that.
Dear Grace: God is our mind, our thoughts, our decisions. Mortal mind isn’t. That’s the answer. The mistaken attitude that leaning not on ourselves is a week ness is false. Leaning on human emotions or opinions could lead use either the right way or the wrong way. It’s really a form of gambling when you think about it and gambling has to do with luck. A true lean on God takes luck out of life’s equation and guarantees success.
I get what you mean by that quote, and agree. In a situation like that, I have to stop error getting more control, go in my “closet” – the answers are always there when we are open
to God’s direction.
Often when I’m confused it really means I haven’t decided whether I’m going to side with Spirit or matter. As long as I’m on the fence, matter is usually still ruling the issue. As soon as I come down firmly on the side of Spirit it resolves. To me, that’s what it means about the enemy winning…
Evan, confusion is such an AGRESSIVE suggestion. Please do more posts on this topic! Thank you. Whether in decision making or communication…
I like what Mary Baker Eddy says of decisions in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:
“If you decide that climate or atmosphere is unhealthy,
it will be so to you. Your decisions will master you, whichever direction they take.
Reverse the case. Stand porter at the door of thought.
Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in
bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously.” (Pg. 392)
“If mortals think that food disturbs the harmonious
functions of mind and body, either the food or this thought
must be dispensed with, for the penalty is coupled with
the belief. Which shall it be? If this decision be left
to Christian Science, it will be given in behalf
of the control of Mind over this belief and every
erroneous belief, or material condition.” (Pg. 389)
What a GREAT textbook for all our decisions!
:<))
If one says or thinks, “I’m confused,” that one is arguing on the wrong side. The image and likeness of God would never make such a statement. The correct declaration would be, “I am not confused because I am the image and likeness of God.” How strengthening is such a declaration!
Thanks everyone for our posts, I think I “get it” now.
for YOUR posts I mean to say
DEAR SPIRITVIEW FAN, thanks for these quotes – perfect. Too often we only think or use part of the 1st quote, and the whole thing is more precise & deeper. The 2nd one is so applicable too.
Loved what BigSky wrote—That’s IT, in a nutshell. Confusion etc. shows us we have not made it clear in our thinking whether we are on Spirit’s side or listening to matter’s beguiling call. I loved BigSky’s “am I sitting on the fence?” I shall ask myself that question from here onward. That makes it so clear!!! Which side of that fence are we on? or are we balancing on the top—let us quickly jump over onto God’s side where all healing takes place and there is no more confusion.
In this week’s lesson the apostles returned to their old profession-fishing maybe without knowing/confused what to do next? Therefore they caught nothing. They probably found themselves more confused when they could not even catch fish. Someone or some of them must have turned to prayer because they heard Christ Jesus call to them – in the early dawn, and they obeyed his command to throw their nets ON THE RIGHT SIDE. They made a concrete decision and the demonstration was undeniably obvious.
Great quote