Devotion to worthy enterprises is highly esteemed by mankind in general; and today there are many who are giving of their best to undertakings which they deem deserving. In the educational realm, for example, what a vast army there is of consecrated men and women, intent on applying the best known methods in the mental training of the young! In the domain, too, of natural science, so called, there are large numbers who are engaged in investigating what are called the phenomena and laws of nature. These earnest people, with the exception of a comparatively few among them, are entirely unheard of, and many of them carry on their work with but a meager material recompense. They are devoted to their studies because they believe that through them discoveries of value to mankind may result. The same can be said of many who are following a political career; they are devoted to their work because they feel that through the enactment of better laws the welfare of their fellow men will be enhanced.
But devotion is more usually thought of in connection with religion. We think of men and women as devoted to the faith they have espoused. Indeed, it has to be admitted that, throughout the ages, devotion has not been lacking even when the religious beliefs which have given rise to it have been primitive and far from satisfying to reason. One likes to feel that devotion is justified; that it is given to a system of thought which is worthy because fundamentally true. And that is how Christian Scientists regard their religion. To them Christian Science is flawless in its revelation of God and of His idea, man; true in its teaching of God as infinite Spirit, Mind, Life, Love, Principle; correct in its declaration that since God is infinite Spirit and altogether good, matter and evil are unreal. Consequently, their religion is of the deepest interest and import to them, inspiring them with a devotion which it would be difficult to surpass. This devotion is deep rooted in the consciousness of the individual, through faith and understanding.
More than anything else, the certainty that God is Love is responsible for the consecration of the Christian Scientist. And assuredly his consecration becomes manifest in his reflection and demonstration of Love, whereby the destruction of evil takes place. As Mrs. Eddy writes on page 241 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The substance of all devotion is the reflection and demonstration of divine Love, healing sickness and destroying sin." It is impossible to think of the reflection of Love apart from its demonstration. Whenever, indeed, one begins to reflect divine Love, his regeneration commences. Gradually is self-love overcome, being replaced by unselfishness; and unworthy or evil traits of character disappear, their place being taken by such virtues as purity, loving-kindness, patience, and humility. In short, the devotion inspired by the realization of the truth that God is Love builds up an enduring character, one in which the graces of Spirit become increasingly apparent.
