Making Haste Slowly

IT is often thought that it is good to make haste; whereas, in certain circumstances, though it may seem to be the easiest way, it is merely a careless method of approaching a problem, and one that may multiply our difficulties instead of scientifically overcoming them. This is a subtlety hard to detect, as haste has more frequently been presented to the human mind in its good aspect than m its bad. Hastiness, heedlessness, and precipitancy are akin to haste; so, should we not be on guard, when confronted by a problem, to see whether or not the action we propose to take is necessarily good because it is quick? Through manifesting great haste, too often we are cheated into believing that we are accomplishing a great deal, when we are really making little or no progress. The Scriptures constantly enjoin upon us to “wait on the Lord.” What does this waiting mean; and how are we to act while waiting?

All through the Old Testament we find notable instances of achievements made through calm and prayerful thought, rather than through hurried action; and this mental attitude is what we all need to cultivate in order to reach that altitude of spiritual understanding which enabled Christ Jesus to counteract and overcome every manifestation of evil with the simple truth.

In following the journeyings of the children of Israel, we read in Numbers that “whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.”

Has time to do with our advancement, then? Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has defined the word “time,” on page 595 of “Science and Health with Key to the scriptures,” in part as follows: “Time. Mortal measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, knowledge.” So in disregard of time, but in consecration to watchful obedience to God’s commands, the children of Israel journeyed. Their actions were divinely impelled, and so were free from those limitations of personal sense and human will which would assail each one of us to-day.

We learn through the teachings of Christian Science that unless our actions are guided by God, the one Mind, to whom all things are possible, they accomplish nothing. “Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much,” our Leader has written (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 230). But is not this what we sometimes find ourselves doing, especially in any seeming emergency, instead of making the experience an opportunity for increasing our trust in God by strict obedience to His commands?

While a student of Christian Science, a miner, was working one day underground, an accident occurred. Hearing a loud crash, his companions all rushed to the spot; but he remained where he was, as though nothing had happened, quietly realizing the all-protecting power of Truth. Later, when he walked to where a friend was pinned beneath the débris, he found him unhurt; and he was soon safely extricated. There is divine authority in the Scriptures for taking this attitude: “He that believeth shall not make haste.” In studying the account given in the Gospel of John of the raising of Lazarus, we find these words: “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he [Lazarus] was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.”

We must surely learn to emulate our Way-shower’s example, and when evil claims to present itself to us or to our loved ones, in the form either of sickness or of sin, we must strive earnestly, faithfully, and lovingly to remain “in the same place” where we are, even in the consciousness of Love’s all-power and all-presence. Thus we shall forestall and overcome those opposite tendencies, based on a human sense of things, which would urge us to take some hasty action, or give some human advice, so imposing those “limits” on our demonstration. Was it not Christ Jesus’ attitude of calm indifference to the claims of time and its limitations which enabled him to call Lazarus forth even from the tomb of death, and restore him instantaneously to life?

In “Pulpit and Press” (p. 2) Mrs. Eddy writes: “Imagine yourselves in a poorly barricaded fort, fiercely besieged by the enemy. Would you rush forth single-handed to combat the foe? Nay. would you not rather strengthen your citadel by every means in your power, and remain within the walls for its defense? Likewise should we do as metaphysicians and Christian Scientists.” And what is the promise given for such intrenchment, such calm decision to stay within those walls of defense, whatever the seeming may be, and to let Truth meet and overthrow the enemy at the right time and in the right way? “Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, … I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations,” we read in Isaiah. And the prophet further declares: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time.”