On Steadying the Ark CLARA MILLER GEIGER          In the thirteenth chapter of I Chronicles it is recorded that when "the ark of God" was being moved, "the oxen stumbled," and Uzza "put his hand to the ark: and there he died."          It could not have been that his death was caused by his desire to be useful. We therefore may assume that he lacked trust in the government of God.          In early history it is quite evident that much materialism accompanied the people's worship of God. In this instance, "the ark of God" contained the tablets of stone on which the Ten Commandments were written. As we study the Bible references regarding the ark we see that the people were striving to worship God, but did not understand Him as divine Principle. How grateful we can be that, through the centuries, inspired writers have been gradually uplifting thought to a more spiritual standpoint! An understanding of this spiritual view can be gained by a study of the Glossary in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Herein (p. 581) she defines "ark" in part as "the understanding of Spirit, destroying belief in matter."          It behooves each one of us today to be ever alert that we be not found guilty of trying to steady this spiritual "ark." We need to be still more watchful when our road becomes a little rough and our problems seem slow in yielding.          If it is a physical claim we are endeavoring to overcome, does some subtle suggestion whisper that a little harmless remedy might hasten the cure? Then we must stand firm, know that our understanding of spiritual truth needs no material aid, and obey the injunction, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart."          Or are we tempted to intercede for those who are very dear to us, thinking that thereby we can hasten their demonstrations? Science and Health instructs us (p. 454): "Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must 'have her perfect work.'" We must not try to steady the "ark."          Then, again, mortal mind may tempt us to steady the ark by suggesting that we influence another in his or her choice of officers and committee members in our church affairs. We are admonished by Mrs. Eddy (Art. VIII, Sect. 1) in the Manual of The Mother Church not to influence erroneously. "But," says mortal mind, "I know that this would not be influencing erroneously. The one I have in view is by far the one best suited for the work, and it would be for the good of the Cause." Perhaps; but would it not be much better to trust God, divine Mind, to guide us without using human influence? Trying to influence the votes of others, even though we are sincere in striving not to allow personal attachment to influence our choice, indicates that we lack confidence in the guidance of divine Principle.          On page 84 of "Retrospection and Introspection" Mrs. Eddy writes: "The opinions of men cannot be substituted for God's revelation. In times past, arrogant pride, in attempting to steady the ark of Truth, obscured even the power and glory of the Scriptures,—to which Science and Health is the Key."          Through the Christ, Truth, which Jesus taught and manifested, and through Christian Science, which makes it possible for us to follow his teaching, we may attain that spiritual understanding which rests in the knowledge of God's universe, including man, as perfect and eternal. Then thoughts of worry, fear, anxiety, and false responsibility are replaced with obedience to the command, "Be still, and know that I am God."   "On Steadying the Ark" by Clara Miller Geiger Christian Science Sentinel, October 23, 1937

 

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