“A germ of infinite Truth, though least in the kingdom of heaven, is the higher hope on earth, but it will be rejected and reviled until God prepares the soil for the seed. That which when sown bears immortal fruit, enriches mankind only when it is understood…” (S&H5) Sometimes I have heard people getting upset and frustrated because a friend or family member rejects the very Truth which means so much to them. Here Mrs. Eddy gives the explanation – the soil must be prepared and only God can do this. We can’t force anyone to accept the Truth –believe me, I have tried and failed miserably! Sure it is good to shine one's light, to be an example but never to force one's will! God unfolds the flower in all its beauty and glory and this happens according to His schedule – not according to ours!
Fairlie
94 posts
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Location: n.a.
08/26/2014 11:20
Re: God prepares the soil
In striving for understanding and true faith, it is cautioning to learn, as pointed out in"Theology" in Science and Health,"Science, Theology, and Medicine" that even John the Baptist was not fully there: "Did the doctrines of John the Baptist confer healing power upon him or endow him with the truest conception of the Christ? This righteous preacher once pointed his disciples to Jesus as 'the Lamb of God;' yet afterwards he seriously questioned the signs of the Messianic appearing, and sent the inquiry to Jesus, 'Art thou he that should come?'
Was John's faith greater than that of the Samaritan woman, who said, 'Is not this the Christ?' There was also a certain centurion of whose faith Jesus himself declared, 'I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.' "
