TO beginners in the study of Christian Science a saying that keeps recurring is: "One is giving power to evil." But if God is in reality omnipotent, the only power, how can one give power to evil? Is it not self-evident, some may however reason, that in these days of discord and disaster, evil does exert a terrible influence in the affairs of men?
In the face of such material evidence, and regardless of its claims, Christian Scientists are learning the wisdom of relying absolutely upon the truth taught by Christ Jesus. This radical stand is taken, not because they have been born in a prescribed faith, nor because they have been educated in any established system of worship, but because, with the understanding which Christian Science brings, the Bible statements may be proved efficacious. In order to be a Christian Scientist one must be ready to work out his individual salvation. He must prove his faith by works of healing. So long as he merely basks inactively in the sunlight of another's efforts, or cloaks his idleness in outward show of zeal, he has forfeited his right to the name.
Christ Jesus taught an unmodified trust in the omnipotent power of God, who is always good. This absolute knowledge made it possible for Jesus to overcome every material condition. He scientifically disregarded the so-called laws of matter; and he said, "The kingdom of God is within you." Within the consciousness of every one, then, is the ability to prove God's omnipotence.
