PROGRESS may be defined as the advancement from imperfection to perfection. Since the divine Mind is eternally and unchangeably perfect, and its counterfeit, mortal mind, is by nature evil, and so incapable of perfection, it is only the human consciousness, which seems to be a mixture of good and evil, that is capable of progress toward perfection. This progress consists of putting off the "old man" (mortal mind), as Paul counsels, and putting on the "new man" (spiritual consciousness); and it is accomplished by the substitution of correct, spiritual thoughts and feelings for erroneous, materialistic beliefs and emotions.
The first progressive step is taken when the individual feels dissatisfaction with his mental condition and desires something better. Uplifted desire being prayer, and true prayer being always answered, the desire for something better spiritually is met by a vision of what is better. Then begins the effort to realize this vision, —to bring it into experience. This effort is opposed at every step by erroneous beliefs and habits; but in Christian Science we learn that all error is unreal, therefore we can overcome these obstacles by the recognition and demonstration of their unreality. Moreover, as Mrs. Eddy tells us (Science and Health, p. 233), "progress is the law of God," consequently when we have once sincerely and earnestly entered upon the upward path, nothing can really stop us. Each new step, as it is demonstrated, reveals to us the next one, and the replacement of an erroneous belief by its corresponding truth is a permanent gain. By patiently substituting a true idea or feeling for every form of error in our consciousness, we gradually spiritualize our whole life, and thus realize the value of Paul's counsel to the Romans, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The Bible says that all must sooner or later know God, which in itself would mean perfection. None can, therefore, escape this process, however long they may postpone it. And those who do seek to postpone it by indulging in material pleasures and sins, no matter how successful and happy they may for a time seem to be, will have to undergo still sharper suffering in awakening to their need and to make still greater effort when they start in the right direction.
