Resolution

It seems to be a part of human nature to fret about things in the past that didn’t go well, or that you wish you’d (or they’d) done differently.  Even though we know that fretting doesn’t accomplish anything (in fact, absolutely nothing), but because it appears to be too late to fix it we get caught up in a swirl of what ifs and yeah, buts.

What if it’s not too late to fix it?  I mean, really.  What if there were a way to resolve all of those large and small events from our past that keep niggling at thought?  We could give up the distraction of wondering and instead have the contentment of resolution.  I’m here to tell you that there is a way!

In fact, Jesus said of himself, “I am the way, the truth, the life.”  (see John 14:6)  How does that help you and me?  It puts every detail of our existence into perspective.  If we hold our history up to the light of the Master Christian’s example, we see that both his words and his deeds offer an exact solution to any and every situation.  That’s right.  ANY and EVERY.

When the woman taken in adultery was forcibly brought to him (see John 8) did he say to her, “they’re right, you know.  Sorry.”  No, he reached out to his Heavenly Father for a resolution that would bless everyone.  But, he didn’t leave it there.  He sent the woman on her way with the inspiration – and requirement – to start fresh.

When he was criticized for dining with Zacchaeus – a sinner – his resolution was to instead, bless the tax collector by confirming that “this day is salvation come to this house.”  (see Luke, chapter 19)  And in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father doesn’t exact of the returning penitent repayment of all that he’d wasted in riotous living.  His message to both sons (yes, even the self-righteous older brother) was “thou art ever with me and all that I have is thine.”  (see Luke chapter 15)

That’s the message the healing Christ is still giving to the world today, right now: all that God has is yours.  All the good, all the salvation, all the joy, all the safety, all the progress are yours.  Don’t get stuck in wishful thinking or self-flaggelation.  Lift up your hearts and hopes and see the REAL way, truth, and life.  See and believe.  Every single event can be rewritten and reformed to bless you and all.

It’s not too late.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.

Universal Solvent

There is a passage in Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy that explains that Love – God – is a universal solvent.  (see page 242)  Solvent has several definitions that are useful here (see Ask.com).  The first, from chemistry is, a substance which dissolves, forming a solution.  The second is, something that solves or explains.  Both are helpful in learning to know God better.

The first definition is particularly interesting because it fits right in with the Christian Science view of Spirit as substance.  Building on that theme, you could say that Spirit, God dissolves whatever is unlike Him, that is, whatever is unlike good.  Out of that dissolution then comes a solution, an answer, even a cure.  For example, by dissolving sickness, health is revealed.  By removing sin, purity is made plain.  By overcoming fear, peace is at hand.  Reasoning further, we can see that true substance is always the solution.  That fact simply dissolves any other conclusion.

The second definition also squares with Christian Science which defines God in part as All-knowing and All-acting (ibid pg. 587).  That means that any true solution or explanation is divine, coming straight from Principle, another name for God.  Love’s solution is intelligent and sufficient.  And it is not unknowable, but fully explained and fully understood through the same divine Mind that enacted it.

You may have noticed that I’ve introduced a number of names for God: Love, Spirit, Principle, Mind.  Add to that Life, Soul, and Truth and you have a complete picture of God as defined in the Bible and explained in Science and Health.  Knowing the fullness and allness of God brings to light more clearly how the universal solvent operates.  This broad and complete characterization of Deity leaves no gaps in His creation where a solution could go missing.  Every need is met by trusting this divine fact.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.