On May 6th, 2017, we covered Genesis 1 in the Bible Study, and toward the end of the discussion, it occurred to me that the seven days of creation are like the steps of emerging understanding. I have been thinking on that since, so it felt right to share now. (Bold text is from the Glossary of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, corresponding to the terms used in Genesis on those days.)
First: My thought has no form, and I have no clue on how to progress, or perhaps that I am supposed to. Then the light comes!
NIGHT. Darkness; doubt; fear.
EVENING. Mistiness of mortal thought; weariness of mortal mind; obscured views; peace and rest.
MORNING. Light; symbol of Truth; revelation and progress.
Second: At first I feel overwhelmed, like being thrown in the deep end of the pool, but then I start to gain a foothold.
FIRMAMENT. Spiritual understanding; the scientific line of demarcation between Truth and error, between Spirit and so-called matter.
Third: Things begin to get clearer, but I’m not ready to demonstrate this understanding. The seed, however, is growing. Always seems important at this stage to be quiet, and let it grow without talking too much – or at all – about it.
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth: I start to see more clearly the distinction between Truth and error – in regard to this understanding – just a little at first, but enough to know when a judgment based on the understanding is erroneous or not. Successively, I am called to demonstrate using this understanding. The obstacles and resistance get bigger, but the reward of using the understanding is getting too immediate to avoid. (Thank God for practitioner support, especially at these stages!)
Seventh: I have the understanding, and have proved it – to myself, anyway – enough to know it is mine. I can rest with this, until I feel led to use it again.
The Next Step: I must protect this understanding from the mist that tries to take it from me. There can be no pride in my understanding, or envy of another’s; no fear of losing it; no failure to use it; no misconception of where it comes from; and, no reversal, as God’s work is done. I must be ready to use this understanding as He directs, when He directs. I must be ever grateful for the blessing that each bit of understanding brings. The battles won and victories gained here, encourage me when God calls on me to learn and understand even more.
Thank you for this, and every, lesson!