"At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good." S&H cit. 13
Wow, this seems like a tall order: we are told to "overcome evil with good" 24/7! That's a LOT of...watching!
In fact, we can never watch enough, and it's another way of telling us to never stop to "stand porter at the door of thought." This really is a full-time job! For we are constantly being bombarded in one way or another to believe in stuff that just isn't true or worth paying attention to.
This reminds me how it took me years, despite being in Christian Science, to understand what it means to "work for God." I was puzzled at the time, but now it seems so obvious to me. After all the strong teaching at Plainfield I see that constant watching really is the way to carry out this work.
It can be:
--watching my thought to keep it filled with good, and to replace any erroneous thoughts with Truth
--watching to know God is the only power
--watching to see "not my will, but Thine be done"
--watching to see how I can share Christian Science with others
--watching to see how I can fill another's need
--watching to see my fellow man spiritually and correctly: "Hail, daughter/son of God"
--watching to "never breathe an immoral atmosphere, unless in the attempt to purify it" (this can be as simple as turning off the TV or radio and declaring the Truth after hearing lies)
--watching to keep a smile on my face
--watching to keep an attitude of gratitude
--watching that I am actively participating in church activity, not just sitting back and relaxing...
Etc. etc.
Really, my "work" is cut out for me, but, it is joyful work to "work for God" and I'm so grateful for incredibly ample employment!
Florence
737 posts
---
Location: n.a.
10/02/2015 08:27
Re: At all times and under all circumstances...
Thanks Susanne! When I came across the Carpenter's 500 watching points I wondered: how could anyone be aware of all this all the time? Like the 10 commandments the first two obeyed covers the others, And in watching consistently it is our love for God and our willingness to honor and obey Him which makes these watches a joy to live!
-
85 posts
---
Location: Florida United States
10/02/2015 09:47
Re: At all times and under all circumstances...
and I love the last Bible citation: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." Not a release from responsibility, but a knowing that God will supply both the wisdom and opportunity to meet any need.
