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You Alone Choose Your Good
We are once again impressed with the fact that the responsibility for what one experiences is thrown back upon him. This is but the direct result of being human, of possessing consciousness— that degree of development which gives man his right and power of choice. Because we live in a democracy we are particularly insistent upon our right to do as we choose in our affairs. In the realm of Spirit we should be equally appreciative of such a privilege. The primary fact is that we desire greater good—health, money, harmony, better business, greater supply, different and better employment, or anything else which will add to our joy of living. How does Science of Mind teach us to get it?
It is only common sense to say that first of all you need to understand spiritual Law—that Law which you are attempting to use. You need to remind yourself that Spirit surrounds you and is unlimited, and is the Source of all things; also that It is always becoming something in your experience, and that something is decided by you. You must remember that Law is entirely impartial and neutral. It does not care what demand is made upon It. It produces whatever is planted in It, just as does the soil in a garden. Certainly by this time you do have that understanding. You know about this spiritual activity even if you do not always use it for your good. Even though the illustration is very simple and though it has already been given repeatedly, remember that you cannot understand the processes which are carried on in your garden as the various seeds develop into plants. You do not, however, wait for a complete understanding of this marvelous process of nature; you just go ahead and make use of it. This is your guide for right now. What does it matter if you do not see how a thing you desire can be? It is results you are after; that’s what counts!
Accept and Use God’s Law
You know that the radish seed will produce radishes and nothing else; and you know that the only thing that can grow from your carrot seed will be carrots. Because you know, you act accordingly. You accept this as a law of nature on which you can depend. Let’s see now if you cannot be just as sensible in the matter of your spiritual planting. It is that same kind of acceptance which you need with respect to the use of the spiritual planting process. Such acceptance has to be a deep conviction, a perfect belief. Do not try by force of will to compel yourself into this belief. Let go all striving—God’s way of doing things must be the best way. Wouldn’t it be wise and easy just to say to yourself, “This is the way such things are done. I have learned enough to know that this is God’s method of getting results and I accept it. I believe it. I know it is so! Yes, I accept. “The particular result to which I am now giving my attention is already mine. The great limitless Source of supply is merely waiting for me to place my order. Because I have grasped sufficient understanding of infinite Law to know that this is the way my good comes to me, and because I have chosen what it shall be, I am meeting the requirements of the Law, and so I know this particular good is mine, now. “I feel the experience of it. I picture myself enjoying it. I see its desirability and value. I am planning how it adds to my experience of worthy living. Because of what it is to me, or the special ways in which I use this good, I am of greater helpfulness and inspiration to others. This is one of the reasons why I chose it. I know that my main work in life is to ‘be about my Father’s business,’ and this good makes me able to do that more effectively. Whatever I receive is only being entrusted to me as a worthy steward of God’s abundance. “It is only as I use talents, privileges, opportunities, responsibilities, or funds wisely that they shall be of benefit to me. I shall not bury them in the ground, I shall not hoard them; I shall use them constantly so that they shall serve others and in that service shall increase. I shall produce intelligently and plentifully with what is entrusted to me. The good I have chosen is now mine!”
Faith Unified With Works
This is the process of building a Mental Equivalent. You need to actually feel that the desired good is yours now! And it will be! This is the Law; It manifests what we accept. This is Faith. When this deep consciousness has been reached, it is well to put the specific desire into words and to speak them forth with perfect assurance of your right and power to do so. This plants the seed in the spiritual soil, and it so confirms the result in your own consciousness that you feel a rich and happy satisfaction in knowing that you have now done your part in the creative sequence. You have prepared the soil, chosen your seed, and planted it. It is now committed to the Creativity of infinite Spirit—Law—which brings forth your crop. The declaration is the step in the process which unifies Faith with Works. It is the affirmative thought made with spiritual awareness, with understanding and acceptance. On the other hand, if you had not made your declaration the procedure would have lacked the necessary tie-up between Faith and Works. The fundamental thing you have to remember is that this is a spiritual process of making yourself fully receptive; so with an attitude of perfect acceptance make your declaration. Your mental garden, however, will not be a success unless you tend it. It’s going to be real work to make it produce the desired results, but you will not be satisfied with anything less than complete fulfillment. •
Excerpted from The Basic Ideas of the Science of Mind, published by DeVorss Publications. |
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