Watching Point 180

180 — WATCH that you make the right decision in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14). One is called upon to decide between a human experience that is harmonious under the effects of demonstration, but which brings little growth, and one that brings increasing development because of constant problems. There can be little development unless one has opportunities to demonstrate.

A man going through a jungle might have the choice between walking along in imaginary safety, or hiring beaters to bring the wild animals out from under cover for him to destroy. Under the latter action his path would not be peaceful, but it would be progressive and beneficial to all.

A right decision is to be willing to have all forms of error brought out from their hiding places, as fast as one is able to meet them, in order that one may cross swords with them and overcome them.

If a balloon made in some frightful form was lying dormant, it would not frighten you. Yet it might be inflated at any time; therefore the sooner it does become inflated, the sooner you will stand up to it, conquer your fear of it, and puncture it.

The inflation of error does not increase its power or make it more real, but it does bring it out from under cover, where you can handle it. It means that it has been brought out from its hiding place, and is ripe for destruction.

The difference between the humanly well man and the sick man, is merely that the errors which constitute the material body are glossed over by deception for the former. He is like one skating on thin ice who has not yet fallen through, whereas the sick man has fallen through. Mrs. Eddy detected that mortal mind is thin ice, and that it betrays us in the end. The frightening names she gave it were her way of putting up the sign, DANGER HERE! on thin ice. She found students so indifferent and lethargic towards its claims, that she sought to surround it with signs which would make students distrust it in every direction.

The right decision in the valley of decision is to desire to have every error driven out from its hiding place as fast as one’s growth permits, so that it may be destroyed. One’s path may not be smooth under this regime, but it will lead to freedom both for oneself and others.