The Open Door TESORA F. SLOAN          Were the thoughtful individual called upon to tell what it is he is most in search of, he would readily admit that it is peace and happiness, which to a Christian Scientist means the truth. And yet, how frequently he passes the very door to the truth, which always stands invitingly open, and turns in any and every other direction, vainly expecting to find an easier pathway to the realization of his desires. Many years ago this door was pointed out to the writer, but blindness and self-righteousness prevented its being seen, and it was only after years of conflict with the falsities of the world that she was willing to accept that which offered hope. Those twenty years had been misdirected years in the search for God, Truth. One may not acknowledge or even see that he is seeking God, but a student of Christian Science knows that that is really the whole necessity, because peace and happiness, as well as freedom from fear, sickness, and loss can only be realized after Truth, as revealed in Christian Science, has been found. The possession of no material object or objects will bring to the individual right qualities of thought; for no sooner does he possess the object of material desire than his thought turns to some other material thing in the hope that it will complete peace, freedom, and happiness, while the open door to the truth leading to these very conditions, even if seen, is shunned and avoided.          One is led to ask why this opposition to Truth. The answer can only lie in the willfulness and stubbornness of the human mind in its preconceived notions about life, and all pertaining thereto. It is unwilling to yield its opinion, based on long years of material thinking, for something so radically different which stirs it from the lethargy of old habits and customs. It does not want to be stirred. It wants to be let alone to travel on in its dream of life and intelligence in matter; for this spiritual something makes demands that are troublesome and disturbing. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 223) Mrs. Eddy says: "Peals that should startle the slumbering thought from its erroneous dream are partially unheeded; but the last trump has not sounded, or this would not be so. Marvels, calamities, and sin will much more abound as truth urges upon mortals its resisted claims."          How frequently we resist the loving word truthfully spoken by a brother when he points out a fault, — as though this fault were a cherished personal possession, when, as a matter of fact, neither good nor evil are personal possessions, — and with egotism condemn him, and for what? Because he had the moral courage to speak the truth. The average follower of religious theories will tell you he wants the truth, but when he is put to the test and his idols — human beliefs — are in danger of being shattered, he does not like it, and ofttimes bitterly resents the light of Truth.          Now it must be evident to each and every seeker for that which is true, that the truth in all things must be established; and whether we like it or not the truth goes marching on, overturning and overturning, and if we resist its progress we shall find ourselves in the position cited by Gamaliel in Acts, when he said, "Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Peter and John were carrying out the Master's instructions, and it would have been impossible for them to do otherwise, which fact is simply stated in their own words: "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." The self-righteousness and intolerance of the high priests, however, prevented their seeing that the work was of God, because such a mental attitude bars out the truth. It sometimes takes much suffering before one is willing to become like a little child, which Jesus declared to be necessary in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Let us, then, keep the door of our thought open to receive that which is true, and be willing to put off the old for the new as fast as is practically possible.   "The Open Door" by Tesora F. Sloan Christian Science Sentinel, February 14, 1920

 

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