Otherwise minded

As I read the Bible Lesson on Truth this morning I was watching once again for questions that show up in the text. Section Four has a powerful one - who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?  Who indeed. Especially when Paul continues with this wonderful assurance.  "I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded."

Otherwise minded.

The New Living Translation says, "I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings." The Message Bible reads, "Deep down the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect."

The Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, includes a wonderful definition for God. Among the synonyms given is Mind. God is Mind, the one Mind, and we reflect that Mind. There is no other. So it is not possible for us to be lead astray or to have a mind of our own. We must be like-Minded.

Despite all the suggestions and claims presented to us, we cannot be otherwise minded. We can always choose Truth and follow God obediently, trusting in His tender care and loving kindness. He loves us.

Jonah tried to be otherwise minded when called to go to Ninevah. He did not think those people so flagrantly ignoring God deserved to be saved. He was otherwise minded to head in the other direction. But one cannot ever be out of God's presence. Even when tossed overboard and ending up in the belly of a whale. Jonah reconsidered, prayed and promised to do as God directed. God speaks to the whale and Jonah is brought to shore unharmed.

Obedience can be a hard lesson if we choose instead to be otherwise minded, to listen to medical opinions, to give in to temptations that lead us down the wrong path, to ignore God. Mrs. Eddy asks that same question on page 326. She tells us, "Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way." The way that leads to health and prosperity and happiness.

Watch today and be sure you are listening to  and obeying divine Mind. Know that you cannot be otherwise minded. Don't believe false teachings. Don't defect. Obey God and great spiritual growth will follow.