"Put on the whole armor of Truth," Mrs. Eddy says (The People's Idea of God, p. 14). Consistent true thinking reveals the wholeness of spiritual being, and enables us to resist at all points the deceptions of material sense. Does there seem to be many a flaw in our consciousness, many a discordant feeling to be overcome, many a suggestion of mental obscurity to be denied? Then a constantly increasing affirmation and realization of Truth's power is what we need. Problems of some kind constantly face us, but we need never feel baffled by them, since deeper fidelity, greater moral courage, clearer spiritual vision, are always available to the sincere seeker. Each temptation overcome registers another victory won by divinely inspired thinking.
Is not "the whole armor of Truth" the unswerving recognition of the supremacy of good? Deific power is omnipresent, and its practical value to humanity is demonstrable. Then if victory over materialism is to be won at all points, the armor of spiritual understanding is to be worn at all points. In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 189) our Leader writes, "Clad in invincible armor, grasping the sword of Spirit, you have started in this sublime ascent, and should reach the mount of revelation; for if ye would run, who shall hinder you?" Our determination as Christian Scientists is to "run, and not be weary," to advance in the way of righteousness, health, and joy, and to dissent from every suggestion presuming to delay our law-governed spiritual progress and harmony.
Among attempted hindrances might be dissatisfaction and depression concerning our present environment and future prospects; fear regarding health; temperamental traits; a resentful attitude regarding frustrated education, academic and moral. But one who applies the defense of spiritual understanding to every difficulty apparently confronting him, will deny the traitorous beliefs of doubt, resentment, discouragement, and valiantly affirm the complete perfection of man in the likeness of God. Enlightened trust in Truth is undefeatable.
