STUDENTS of Christian Science find encouragement, direction, and inspiration in connection with solving their problems by studying the words and works of the Exemplar, Christ Jesus. It is noteworthy that before he began his public ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness, where, during a forty-day period of fasting or denial of material sense, he gained such a clear, definite sense of God and of His perfect creation and of his relation to the Father that it served to guide and guard him throughout his earthly experiences. During those forty days there were sick people to be healed and sinfettered men to be released through the law of Love. But the Master first saw the truth about God and man for himself before he began his work for others. True, he later found it necessary to withdraw from the touch of men to protect and refresh the heavenly vision. Wisdom bids us note that Jesus allowed no false sense of responsibility for others to interfere with these periods of spiritual enlightenment and refreshment.
Christ Jesus worked out his own salvation from all material beliefs; he mentally rose above them all and ascended into the realm of pure spiritual consciousness. Yes, he did more, in that he showed how all men can follow his example. But, although his love for others was boundless, he could not work out their salvation for them, nor did he attempt to do so. Even though the Master called Lazarus from the tomb, where his body had lain four days, Lazarus had to learn for himself that God is Life. After Peter had been thrice instructed to feed the flock, he asked Jesus what John was to do. In justice to the disciple we may assume that the query was prompted by loving consideration rather than officiousness. The reply addressed to Peter may well be regarded by us all as a personal message, for therein the Master said, "What is that to thee? follow thou me."
Giving our attention to the task of following the Way-shower in working out our own salvation does not indicate nor tend to develop selfishness. Contrariwise, it denies and dethrones selfishness, fear, jealousy, animality—whatever is associated with the false sense of self seen as physicality. It is from these and other false material beliefs that we need to be saved, and the Christ, Truth, as declared and demonstrated by Jesus, is our Saviour. These and other false beliefs are fetters that we ourselves forge by accepting and obeying them as though they were veritable. Truly the world of sense brings the materials of which these fetters are forged, but each individual is free to reject the consignment even though it may be presented as if it were his personal property. Indeed, this rejection of material beliefs and evil is essential to the Christian and scientific solution of our problems.
