The common problem which confronts each student of Christian Science is that of distinguishing between the real and the unreal, and of so clearly affirming the truth that its self-denominated opposite will no longer present to his thought even a semblance of reality. The solution of this universal problem is available to all. It consists in the recognition of God, divine Principle, and the application of Principle's law to whatever aspect of the common problem confronts one. The solution, therefore, is obviously as universal as is the problem to which it is to be applied, the problem of distinguishing between the real and the unreal.
But, one may ask, if there is no individual problem, and if the universal problem is capable of yielding to but one solution, how may I avail myself of aid in handling what seem to me to be my own difficulties? How am I myself to progress, if all my effort goes to the solving of the world's problem? And is not this inconsistent with the familiar admonition to "work out your own salvation?" Taking these queries in reverse order, the suggestion of inconsistency is merely an insidious attempt to dissuade the student from entering upon the working out of his own salvation, which is indeed his universal problem. Only as one clearly, joyfully sees and accepts his share is he able to progress in the orderly overcoming of any special phase of the universal problem immediately presented to him; but the unhesitating and courageous facing of all manifest error, and the instant and constant application thereto of the available solvent of divine Love, liberate him from the bondage of belief in personal error, usher him into conscious membership in the household of God, and bring to him the encouraging realization that in this victory over error not only has he brought about the solution of what he regarded as his own personal problem, but he has brought the whole world nearer to salvation from that specific phase of "the sin of the world," which our great Master came to take away by means of his own overcoming and example.
The problem is one and universal; the solution is one, and universally available. The phases of the problem as presented to our view are many and varied, and the application of the solution differs with the individual requirement, and is determined by the environment, the education, the innumerable factors of daily living, which in changing degree influence each one.
