A RIGHT mental attitude toward adverse circumstances proves a definite aid to spiritual progress. Obedience to the law of God, good, is a refuge in all times. As a barrier on the edge of a mountain road is cause for gratitude to the driver, so the obedience required of Christian Scientists is cause, not for rebellion, but for thankfulness, since conformity to God's law is their protection. Quietly to manifest the spirit of the Christ in times of stress is to go forward in the line of spiritual attainment. The quick return of good for evil is one of the highest arts of humanity; and it is acquired through silent prayer, wisdom, and the continuous practice of the law of kindness.
In this endeavor the example of Christ Jesus is an invaluable guide. The Scriptures say of the Master, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." It is difficult, perhaps, to realize that Christ Jesus, endowed as he was beyond measure with the divine understanding of God, should have had to master the humble lesson of obedience. Then what a valuable lesson it must be to us! Where and how is it to be learned?
In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy states (Pref., p. vii), "The only guarantee of obedience is a right apprehension of Him whom to know aright is Life eternal." This right understanding of God is the only practical assurance that one is thinking, speaking, and acting in accord with God's will. Since every transgression of the divine precepts inevitably brings its own penalty, obedience is a quality the acquiring of which should not be delayed. The motive in this holy work, however, must not be negative, but positive. In other words, the desire to bless, not the fear of punishment, should inspire all our endeavor.
Although the Master well knew how to overcome all suffering, he made no attempt to avoid the trials through which he could bless humanity. Each afflictive experience he endured, conquering hatred, injustice, misunderstanding, apathy, materialism, and the many other errors confronting him in his ministry; and he overcame each temptation that assailed him. The perverse nature of the materialistic beliefs which he challenged, involved an inevitable conflict with the true, spiritual idea which he taught and expressed. On page 4 of her book "No and Yes" Mrs. Eddy gives the scientific explanation of the untrue nature of all evil when she says, "The unreality of sin, disease, and death, rests on the exclusive truth that being, to be eternal, must be harmonious." From the premise of eternity, Christian Science draws the logical conclusion of present harmony. Honesty, love, justice are seen as present verities, and the pilgrim along life's spiritual path may well rejoice that, whatever adverse condition may arise, he has an unfailing Principle with which to win a victory for Truth.
Christian Science builds on a sure foundation and for eternity. The fullest measure of willing and loving effacement of mortal selfhood, of pomp and prestige, fear and doubt, brings to humanity the clearest glimpses of the divine power of Truth. In this as in other ages, the exaltation of personal abilities and achievements is the tempter, and the remedy is the continuous desire and ability to glorify and obey divine Mind alone.
Beyond the mists or the dark rain clouds a sky of brightest, clearest blue is often glimpsed—calm, reassuring, unfathomable. So, in the maze of modern living, the reality of existence may be discerned in Christian Science. As in ancient mythology a delicate thread led the captive safely through the intricate tangle of a labyrinth, out into light and freedom, so does obedience to revealed truth guide human thought into spiritual understanding.
Like many a reliable rule, the rule of obedience works both ways: the understanding of God leads to obedience to Him; and obedience results in increased understanding. The Master obeyed his highest understanding of God until he arrived at the age when, according to the ruling of that period, he was permitted to teach in public. Then his obedience, when tested by circumstance, was not found wanting.
The sonship with God which he understood, taught, and exemplified, Jesus claimed for all. Our present demonstration of this inviolable relationship is of supreme importance. Many waste places of human consciousness are to be rebuilt, and strongholds of error are to be overthrown. God directs the process of regeneration, and under the direction of divine Love each advancing footstep is pointed out as the result of one's willingness to take the advancing step. The perception that through his obedience to the Scriptures, and to his highest understanding of God, the Master himself had to learn the great lesson of spiritual life impels the student of to-day to a more earnest consideration of his words and works. The various trials of mortal sense are then seen to be a salutary impetus to purification, strengthening character and unfolding a more earnest and consistent attitude of forgiveness toward others. When, under provocation, the individual is forced to guard his thoughts and weigh his words, he learns to lean more earnestly upon divine Mind for strength and guidance, knowing that the accuser only hastens its own destruction, while the reign of right continues.
The Bible teaches that God is Spirit, and that Spirit is to be worshiped whole-heartedly, to the exclusion of materialistic beliefs and theories. The Christian Science textbook furnishes the unvarying rule for overcoming false beliefs, namely, recognition of God as the only Mind. To maintain this new standpoint requires continual vigilance. As in all lines of altruistic endeavor, the desire to think rightly lends impetus to action, and practice renders the task lighter. The sole motive to glorify God and to bless humanity simplifies the complexities of present-day living, confers peace in the midst of tumult, and unfolds increasing ability to obey the promptings of divine Principle. The Master said, "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him." To think, to speak, to act in willing obedience to the good and wise will of God is to be freed in progressive measure from all unrighteousness.
The Master was firm in his insistence upon patience, love, and forgiveness in time of trial. Calm reliance upon the infinite power of God to prevail over the seeming evil confers the ability to manifest this excellent spirit or attitude toward others. Jesus accomplished this perfectly, abiding in heavenly peace, preserving a stainless, yes, a steadfastly joyous consciousness during the most trying of human experiences. Others, both before and after his time, have left shining examples of this obedient spirit of sonship. Joseph in prison furnished an example of one ruling his own spirit; and this obedience to divine wisdom later gave him the jurisdiction of the entire country, to the glory of God and the saving of his fellows. David escaped peril at the hands of a jealous king by conquering the temptation to indulge in revenge when the king more than once was in his power. Thus, through selfcontrol he was fitted to rule the nation. In each instance obedience to godliness wrought results far-reaching for good, not only to those moral heroes but, through the Scriptural record, to countless others.
Through shipwreck, floggings, imprisonment, and many other trials experienced while he was devoting his life to doing good, we gather from the Scriptures that Paul manifested at all times the priceless spirit of loving tolerance. Peter, too, had that lesson to learn; and as the realization came to him that retaliation was worse than useless, even a definite bar to spiritual progress, he could write to his fellow workers: "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."
God's plan is wholly wise and beneficent. That men should be crushed and their spirit broken by despair, opposition, and persecution is not in accordance with man's high destiny. The tribulation incidental to human experience, however, cannot be ignored or stifled, left to rankle in human thought or to depress. It must be overcome through a realization of the all-power, all-presence, and all-wisdom of divine Love, and through the constant manifestation of love, patience, and humility.
Mary Baker Eddy gives the rule of her life-work in "Miscellaneous Writings," where she says (p. 13): "The falsehood, ingratitude, misjudgment, and sharp return of evil for good— yea, the real wrongs (if wrong can be real) which I have long endured at the hands of others —have most happily wrought out for me the law of loving mine enemies. This law I now urge upon the solemn consideration of all Christian Scientists. Jesus said, 'If ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.' "
Let us rejoice in the spirit of loving-kindness expressed by our Leader and by her faithful followers of today in their faithful and loving labors for humanity. It is God who inspires them to loving obedience; and increased understanding of God and His Christ is the sure reward of their obedience.
Pity, forbearance, long-sufferance, fair interpretation, excusing our brother, and taking in the best sense, and passing the gentlest sentence, are certainly our duty; and he that does not so is an unjust person.
