THE beginner in the study of Christian Science usually quickly learns that a mistaken concept of self has brought much apparent suffering into his experience. He likewise learns that he has both consciously and unconsciously submitted to a belief in a cause and a power apart from God. As he awakens from self-deception, he rejoices that the very reverse is true, and that he lives to bear witness to the fact that God is the only cause and creator; that man cannot be separated from his creator for a single moment; and that this right relationship with God will forever remain intact.
The understanding of man's true selfhood then unfolds in joy not only for the individual, but for all who come in contact with the one thus enlightened. Redemption from self means a larger vision and innumerable opportunities for good. The supposed opposite of the divine idea is doomed. We have divine authority for this, since the Scripture declares of all evil, "Thou shalt surely die." Each advancing step in the direction of reality should be as painless as the rising of the sun, which causes the night to disappear. Willingness to detach one's sense of identity from materiality is accompanied with joy unspeakable.
The recognition of man's full, pure, true selfhood is one of the greatest needs of to-day. And why? Because it would eliminate war and its effects by separating the beliefs of ignorance, hatred, fear, and greed from one's thought of man. It would advance mankind to the point of growth where it would daily and hourly turn from a false sense of self, and from a false sense of responsibility. The right idea unfolding in consciousness thrives in the refreshing atmosphere of humility.
