We all have one Mind, one Spirit

I came across a citation in this week's Christian Sciene Bible Lesson that really spoke to me about the 'fellowship' that exists between all men ('mankind')-and the kindred thought, spirit and single intelligent source that we all have in common called God.

'When divine precepts are understood, they unfold the foundation of fellowship, in whic hone mind is not at war with another, but all have one Spirit, God, one intelligent source, in accordance withthe Scriptural command: 'Let this Mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.' Science and Health, pg 276:4-9.

I love the thought that if there is only one Mind,and, we are all in it together, we cannot be at war with-at odds when there is only one! We do not have to accept the false notion of there being separate classes of people, separate agendas,or, separate ideas of what is good for someone. This is not a tough notion to understand,but an idea that is basic to all men and women and inherent in each of our beings. The marginal heading says 'universal brotherhood'- an idea which is not far away and idealistic,but, instead here now ad in full operation.

Law & Freedom

In thinking about our police force in Tampa, it came to me that they are there to uphold the law. Many would define this law as a written word to be adhered to,or obeyed. Based on some citations from last weeks bible lesson, I have been thinking much more about God's divine law that created the universe, created man ( man & woman) and governs this creation perfectly and peacefully.
'The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love. What is this supposed power, which opposes itself to God? Whence cometh it? What is it that binds man with iron shackles to sin, sickness and death? Wjatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free.'

Science & Health 224:29-4.

It is God's love that provides freedom-a divine right to every man, woman and child. No one is left out of God's provision. Just like Paul was released from his false imprisonment and his shackles were removed- each of God's citizens are freed from the influence of any power that is oppossed to God- freed from greed, lust, hate, covetousness, or any other 'false imprisoning' thought that would influence or lead away from God.
This is the standard of liberty that we must set and accept for ourselves and for our fellow man.

CREATE AN OASES OF PEACE

"....there is something we can do. When our actions rest on a spiritual basis, no individual thought or action is inconsequential. Every decision for honesty, every effort to behave justly, every act of mercy--these efforts to embody the Beatitudes taught by Christ Jesus create oases of peace that do make a difference to all mankind."

From and artricle by Madora Holt: "Needed: Lasting Peace"
The Chrsitian Science Monitor, August 21, 1991

God's law is written in every heart

This thought, 'God's law is written in every heart' came from a recent Sentinel radio program. I've been using that often in praying for our community, whether for the police, the youth or those accused of the so called crimes of passion.

This month's Christian Science Journal has an interview you may have read featuring Joni Jung. She speaks of realizing she was never alone, and unworthy of God's love. This impelled me to see it is not the 'removal of crime' we're to focus on but the exquiste splendor and perfection of all within our community. For where God is there is perfect peace, lawfulness, right desire, etc.

Although sin does need to be uncovered, it does need to be seen as not existing in God's kingdom and thus has never existed with our fellow man, for 'God's law is written in every heart!'

Joan

Why We Are Praying

In reading through the Message translation of the Bible, I came across a wonderful command to pray for everyone and everything. It is from Mark 11:

That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything ranging from small to large. Include
everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you
assume the posture of prayer, remember that its not all asking. If you have anything against
someone, forgive. Only then will your heavenly father be inclined to also wipe your slate
clean of sins.

A contrite heart and a humble spirit. Going to our knees with a heart full of forgiveness and a willingness to lift everyone and everything up to our heavenly Father. Through scripture we have been commanded to pray for everyone and everything-what a charge to take up the mantle!

Man is Never Separated from God

One of our members recently ask for our prayers for a young man who was viciously attacked and is serious condition in the hospital at this moment. I find I have to look beyond the physical picture that is being presented and stick to Jesus' declaration in John 15, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." I cling to this fact and know that this young man has never been separated from the Father's Love, and never will be. Divine Love is ever-present, ever operative, and All.

CSJ March 2009

On page 61 Melanie D'Evelyn talks about how she prayed during and after an attack. The kindness she received from her rescuers and the police "strengthened my trust in good." She was even able to issue a statement at the attacker's hearing. One might be tempted to give a negative statement after such an incident but her statement was one of moving forward. The whole article has so much good to review in our prayerful efforts to know that evil by whatever name has no lasting power.