THERE is always a right way to solve any problem. We need not struggle or grope about blindly in order to find the correct way, for it was revealed by one who so loved God, good, that he proved his heavenly Father to be the source of everything good that he accomplished. This unswerving devotion and obedience to God earned for Jesus the title of Christ. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 4) "To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done." Jesus was indeed the Way-shower, and Christian Scientists can joyfully and confidently turn to the record of his life, knowing that they will find the solution of each human problem through applying the divine Principle which he demonstrated.
Thus, with Jesus as our Exemplar, let us review some of the problems which have seemed so persistent, and ask, "What would Jesus do in this instance?" Have we been smarting under a personal affront, unjust criticism, or a seeming injustice? How did the Way-shower, who so often was subjected to ridicule and rebuff, meet these suggestions? In Luke's Gospel we are told of a revealing incident. Jesus, with the disciples, was on the way to Jerusalem. Approaching a village, he sent messengers ahead to make ready for him. In a short time the messengers returned, filled with indignation. The village had refused to receive them because they were on the way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?" Filled with compassion, Jesus rebuked the disciples, and the Bible narrative tells us that "they went to another village." Nothing more! No lengthy argument, no bitterness or resentment. Jesus had important work to do. He knew that the village had meted out its own punishment— no sick were healed there, and the truth was not preached there. Nor can we afford to spend a moment contemplating falsehoods. Must we not also be about our Father's business, giving every thought to reflecting the glorious qualities of Mind, God?
Have we, perhaps, come to the place in our business or in our progress Spiritward where we seem to be at a standstill, not knowing which way to turn? Then let us follow Jesus as he went up "into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." We find that Jesus, the master Christian, found it necessary oftentimes to turn away from the throngs in silent communion with the Father, seeking fresh inspiration and divine guidance. Jesus was always willing to do his Father's will, to do the work that was before him, yes, to be obedient. His communion with God brought him the understanding, confidence, and inspiration which showed him how to do his work perfectly. Perhaps it is patience and humility which we must express, enabling us to continue "all night in prayer to God," without growing weary of right doing. Whatever our need, we can be assured that our conscious, humble communion with God will bring the light that will clearly show us the next step.
