THE word "demonstration" is very frequently used in referring to the application of Christian Science. It is well, therefore, for the student to consider its meaning in order that his efforts may bring forth right results. It is essential that the premise be right if one is to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. One dictionary definition of the word "demonstration" is "act of proving or demonstrating." On page 34 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy tells us that "demonstration is Immanuel, or God with us." We see, then, that demonstration in Christian Science always glorifies God by proving His omnipotence and omnipresence.
In the proportion that we strive to prove the spiritual facts of being, we build on a sure foundation and may confidently expect the right result to be manifested. One may be in apparent need of many things that seem necessary in human experience, such as home, money, position, or friends, and sometimes it is said that these must be "demonstrated." But as we clearly understand what demonstration is we shall see that material things or conditions, even though useful, are not demonstrated in Christian Science. In our human experience better conditions appear as the result of demonstration, which, we must remember, is "Immanuel, or God with us." This does not mean that harmonious conditions and necessary things are withheld from us or supplied only in a meager way, but it does mean that our foremost endeavor should be to purify thought and action in order that we may express what we really are as children of God. This is our part in the work of demonstrating, and when we are striving earnestly to prove our sonship with divine Principle we can safely leave the outcome to Him.
This is in accord with Jesus teaching, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." It makes no difference what particular phase of error is manifested. The important thing is to strive for a better understanding of God and of man's relationship to Him. In so doing one cannot lack the added things, for the better understanding of God will be made manifest in improved human conditions, since these are added, in our present stage of experience, as we consecrate our thought to progress Spiritward. To the extent that we daily prove "God with us," discord and lack will find no abiding place in our thinking, and the true facts will be realized as ours to accept and utilize— demonstrate. Man is the perfect idea of God now and forever. Consciously dwelling in the realm of reality and possessing, by reflection, the divine qualities of Mind, he has an abundance of spiritual good to give out. In human experience this scientific fact may be proved by degrees through Christian Science.
