Series 1 - Lesson 2 - Annotation 11
Is it wise to be watching for error continually? Give reasons.
11. No, it is not wise to be searching in the outer for evil. Our attention should be given to beholding only that which we wish to have manifested in our life or the life of another. If we watch for error continually, we are giving our attention to that which is not true, and in so doing we are giving the belief of error the substance of our thought and forming "mental equivalents" of error in our consciousness. As we keep the idea of good, rather than error, before us we will produce results like it, for like produces like in all states of being. We are then forming "mental equivalents" of good. "Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked" (Psalms 91:8).
We are free-will beings and, therefore, we have the power to determine the character of the thoughts that we will think and to which we will give substance. Therefore, it is much wiser to keep before us divine ideas such as life, love, wisdom, faith — anything and everything that is good — than to be watching for error. Our mind is always active, and if it is filled with a belief in error there is no place for the good to take root. Two opposing thoughts cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Let us build for health and wholeness. Let us begin to think only thoughts that are positive, joyous, constructive. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7 A.V.).
________________________
Preceding Entry: Is there any true foundation for the belief in fleshly heredity? Explain.
Following Entry: What is a treatment?
