Then, there is every reason for the attempt, at least, for each to meet these differences, and so little—save self, and selfishness, that prevents the attempt to at least meet the problems in the present.
There are those activities—as will be seen from an analysis of the activities in the earth—in which many differences arise, and many of the reasons materially why varied ideas are given expression to. Yet these should be such, in activity, as not to be magnified but minimized.
They each have their faults, they each have their virtues—as is shown. There must be some common ground for the reasoning.
As each understands—that which prompts the activity, in any individual, arises from a spiritual attitude, or of the spirit.
Let each then ask within self: With what spirit do I make this or that assertion? Whose kingdom, Whose judgment is being maintained by the attitudes I hold? Creative Energies, Creative Force or Power, or that which is destructive? That which is creative, or that which divides?
To be sure, when individuals attempt to look back upon faults or failures of one another, or to find condemning attitudes towards one another, these may bring remorse, quick judgment, defiance—as it does with each here.
Yet, as He gave—he that looketh back, he that hath once put his hand to the plow—meaning he that has determined to do the right, with the help of the faith in the Creative Force or God—he that has once set self in the direction of seeking to do the right, and then turns back—his estate, his condition becomes worse than ever.
Not in self may there be the interpreting of the problems. The activities must be in self. But ye each have an ideal—not ideas alone, but an ideal.
Study, then, to show thyself approved unto that ideal. Not merely because of what others may think, or because it is law, or because of that as may be said or thought, but because self desires to meet the problems—here—now!
And these will bring harmony, these will bring understanding; if there is the determination on the part of each to give and take.
It is not that either shall demand this or that of the other, but demand of self that ye measure up to that the other would have you be—in the Christ!
Ready for questions.
(Q) Why are we so uncomfortable with one another?
(A) They each have made up their mind they don’t care and they don’t like to be together; yet if they will analyze—together—those problems of each that have existed, and try—try—to meet them on a common basis, the situation will be understood and the uncomfortableness will be erased. Pray over it. Don’t—don’t—attempt to do the analyzing without taking it to Him!
(Q) How can we feel more married?
(A) By making the purposes of each as one.
(Q) Why is it so hard for us to agree on anything?
(A) Each looks for the differences, rather than that on which ye can agree!
(Q) Should we plan some specific hobby or recreation together, periodically? If so, what?
(A) This would be a very, very good start. Where the planning of recreation, of activity, of thought or study, or interest, is separate, ye grow apart. Where the interest may be together—whether in a hobby, in a recreation, in a study, in a visitation, in an association—ye grow in purpose as one.
The law is, not that ye may go one this way and the other that, and then your ideas and purposes be one; but where the treasure is, there may the heart be also, there may the activity be united.
(Q) When [1467] spends his time off with his son, should [263] occasionally go with him?
(A) This depends rather upon the son. While there should be interests alike, interests together—that there is a difference of opinions in such, it may depend more upon what has been said by others. But this, too, can be altered for good of all. It would be well to be undertaken, but once begun don’t let it break the purposes!
(Q) How should she conduct herself so as to produce harmony between the three?
(A) In the same manner as ye ask, in the same manner ye desire that [1467] show toward thine own. These must be as a unison. Thy purposes, thy activities should be in the same accord as that deference, that judgment [1467] has shown, does show, toward thine own. This should be in keeping with the principles that have been set forth—seek where ye may be of one purpose! Minimize the faults, magnify the virtues!
(Q) Do we live in the right environment?
(A) This can only be answered within self. For, if there is the determination on the part of either that the environment or association is to be used as the excuse, then nowhere would be the right environment.
(Q) Should [1467] continue to work with . . . Stores, Inc., or make a change?
(A) We would not, through this particular period, make a change.
(Q) Should he make more effort to collect the back and overtime pay due him and others at . . . Stores, Inc.? If so, how?
(A) Through those channels of having the investigation by the Interstate Commerce Board.
(Q) Should [263] continue to do Red Cross nursing?
(A) If this is in agreement with those purposes that are determined by each, as to what the activities are to be, well and good. If it is not, or if it gives the expression of “I don’t care,” then better change!
(Q) Please give a spiritual message specifically for [263], that will help her meet and overcome this period of strife.
(A) Thy differences, thy hardships, thy crosses, are not peculiar to thyself alone; though ye oft think they are! There are as many crosses in the experience of [1467] as in self. Consider all phases of his experience, of thy experience. Study not as to what [1467] should do for thee, or as to how he should treat thee, but as to how Ye may so act, so speak, so be as to make that experience which will enable [1467] to better fulfil that he desires to do and be.
Thus it requires that just as much of such consideration be given thee by [1467] in that same attitude; not what he alone desires to do. But considering thy hardships, thy problems, he—too—striving to do and be that which will make thy purposes, thy aims—as agreed between selves—as to what ye hope to accomplish—more in accord with spiritual ideals.
There are many that ye influence day by day—not only in thine own home, but in thine acquaintance, among thy friends, among thy acquaintanceship, among even thy well-wishers and those that don’t give a damn!
Then, so live, so act, one toward the other, as to make this experience—here and now—worth while! Not merely because of what others would say, not merely because it would please anyone, but thy Lord!
So live, then, that each activity is to the glory of God and to the honor of thy conscience!
(Q) Please give a spiritual message specifically for [1467] that will help him meet and overcome this period of strife.
(A) These are one. For, if there is the determination within self that “I won’t agree to anything save my way,” this is of little value. But if ye really seek, know that as given—all thy associations to the glory of thy hope in God, as manifested in Jesus, who found fault with none but forgave every one.
We are through for the present.
[Background: Housewife, Protestant. This was a joint reading for her husband (1650) and herself in regard to their marital problems. The couple were told that they