“Turn Right”

Two students of Christian Science who undertook a vacation trip in an automobile, when but a short distance from their starting point found that something was wrong with the car they were driving. Turning into a garage, they were told that certain repairs were needed which would entail considerable expense and an ill-afforded delay. Uncertain what to do, they proceeded on their way rather thoughtfully, when into the consciousness of one there came a recollection of the signposts along the way which read, “Turn Right.” Halting the car, this one advised that both give heed and turn to divine Mind for guidance.

A few moments of quiet contemplation of the truth about God and man. and the inseparable divine relation between God and man as taught in Christian Science, brought a solution of the problem by a certain possible adjustment of the machine, and also confidence in the adequacy of the expedient. Returning to the garage, they persuaded the mechanician in charge to carry this out, and the adjustment proved sufficient, not only for the entire trip, but for the remainder of the season’s travel.

How often do students of Christian Science need to heed the signposts set up by our Leader’s demonstration of the way, as found in the study of the Christian Science textbooks, in attendance upon church services, in subscribing to and reading the authorized periodical literature, and in prayerful study of the Church Manual, that they may not only turn right, but keep to the right! Do not these all point to divine Mind as the source of every right idea necessary for profitable procedure and our present and eternal well-being? But how many ride carelessly by these waymarks, and find in consequence that some cherished hope, some anticipated good, has to be abandoned; or perhaps the enjoyment of health and harmony is postponed because mortal mind’s cumbersome machinery of material belief seems the only available, and yet quite impossible, means of adjustment at hand !

Perplexing business situations, inviting doubt, indecision, and fear of defeat, will resolve into the true course, success, and intelligent management, as each turn to the right brings us nearer the Father’s home, hastening the day of salvation. The mists of hate, envy, and slander dissolve, making way for pure sunshine and joy, as we constantly and expectantly turn to the right at the demand of spiritual love.

We are told in the Scriptures that when they who “wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way, . . . found no city to dwell in, … they cried unto the Lord in their trouble,” and “he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.” This is surely comforting. But contrary to mortal opinion, which claims that experience is the best teacher, Christian Science operates in human consciousness to prevent the experiences where lessons will be learned only through suffering.

Mrs. Eddy lovingly admonishes us in “Miscellaneous Writings” (p. 356), “Cherish humility, ‘watch,’ and ‘pray without ceasing,’ or you will miss the way of Truth and Love.” Then let us ever be alert to watch for, read, and heed the waymarks, not of evil’s forbidding or foreboding, which the memory of unhappy human experience conjures up, but instead, the clearly defined and unerring direction of the Christ-way, wherein lie divine protection, healing, and spiritual comfort. Though at times we seem to wander in a wilderness of material sense impressions, with starved affections, and apparently with no way out and no abiding place at hand, let us lift our thought to the Christ, and give up egotism and self-will to sit at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks that his teachings, presented to the world centuries ago, are still with us, vitalized by that spiritual animus which Christian Science reveals for the meeting of every human need.

Now in practical everyday affairs, of two opposite ways, one unselfish, the other selfish, one just, the other unjust, clearly the latter in each case could never be right. And it is not hard to make up one’s mind—as we say—for choice or decision. But when two ways seem equally good, without prejudice or preference to cast a shadow upon them, then, indeed, desire must be spiritualized, that we may rise above mere human considerations, and that intelligence may be reflected in true judgment, with steadfast regard for divine Principle and disregard of human argument. Without an understanding of absolute Truth, which unfolds the moral and ethical groundwork of right based upon a spiritual foundation, how can one ever choose rightly or well? How can one know intuitively or reasonably that which is nearest right in human relations, be they personal or impersonal, unless something infinitely higher than the human be permitted to guide thought?

All demonstration of an understanding of divine Principle, however, is individual, even as God is the infinite individuality, which the real man reflects. Thus, what may seem right action for one, as he journeys out of the claims of the flesh into an increased sense of spiritual good, is not necessarily the way another’s demonstration may best be aided. We may but delay our own progress by taking thought or time from our own travel heavenward, if we stop to consider what our brother has seen to be a right choice for himself.

Would we help him choose rightly, then possibly we can do it best by example, thus proving what is good and acceptable in the sight of God. If our motive is right, perhaps we shall be given opportunity to state what Jesus taught in respect to a specific question, and refer to the restatement of truth in the teachings of Christian Science. Dare we do less than our own very best in the face of the many perils attending an unhappy choice, a blind decision, and a wrong, unfortunate course?

Only God Himself knows all that concerns His children; and He is ever present to indicate His will as a good will, and pleasant to obey. How many turns must be made in the road before mortals are ready to abandon the symbols through which, by reversal, they learn about Principle, none can tell. In vain do we judge, criticize, or condemn. The watchful care given each sparrow will be exercised with infinite compassion for all that exists, until divine Mind is known to be the only Mind, the only cause and creator, and the universe of right ideas is seen to be the product of that divine Mind. Meanwhile we can hasten that glad day of pure understanding by unswerving devotion to the right and consecrated effort to follow the right in so far as we see it.