One begins the practice of Christian Science the moment he begins to apply it in his daily life. Whatever our occupation, our surroundings, our problems, our difficulties may be, each one is free to enter upon this work. Regardless of handicaps, disadvantages, or past errors, or how far we may believe we are from measuring up to the standard set by Christian Science, the opportunity to live the teachings of Christ Jesus, each day, is always present.
The opportunities each one of us has are just as numerous as those of any one else; and the advantages ahead that we hope for always come when we make full use of what we have. The seemingly greatest obstructions may be our greatest opportunities. Doubtless, many have found it difficult to see this—do not, perhaps, see it now. It is a lesson we all have to learn: that the very things we call obstacles, or seeming hindrances to our success, even the petty discords that make us wish we were in some place where we did not have them, are but so many golden opportunities to demonstrate Christian Science. If our desire is to live a life of Christlikeness, blessing and healing and bringing out harmony,—blessings which have so freely come into our lives,—let us not wait for more favorable conditions, expecting that then we shall find no error to contend with. Until we use the talents that are given to us, we are not worthy of more.
Divine Love always gives us the opportunities we are ready for. Our problems are for us to solve, rather than to avoid. The very things that we may overlook or tend to run from are occasions to apply what we have learned. If we already knew the solution, they would not be problems in the sense we think them so. To avoid a question in mathematics does not solve it; for when presented again it is still unanswered; but once solved, the problem, as a difficulty, has disappeared. It is through victory, instead of retreat, that we gain permanent freedom from evil. This does not mean that we should unnecessarily face danger or evil. Where God, divine Principle, requires it, and there is a moral reason why we should do so, He will free us from error's illusions. God reveals to us the way to overcome every difficulty; as Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 385), '"Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself."
