There is a tendency in the human heart to feel that good is more abundantly bestowed upon one than another; that happiness and all good things seem to fall into the lap of some, while others gain a meager amount of good through laborious effort and much deprivation. This attitude of thought arises from a false sense of things and a wrong concept of God, and sometimes seems to induce a feeling of injustice, self-justification, and resentment. There is a close connection between self-justification and resentment, and of course neither is a quality of God. Not only is the thought saddened by these mistaken views, but any bitterness, if allowed to rankle and develop, prevents the unfoldment of a happy solution of one's problem.
Through the earnest study of Christian Science, one is quickly and thoroughly disillusioned regarding the false concept of God and of man's relationship to Him. The student soon realizes that real happiness, satisfaction, security, and progress depend upon an understanding of the spiritual status of man. This understanding is gained by strict adherence to the rules and admonitions contained in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and by calm, steadfast abiding in the spiritually mental atmosphere embodied in its teachings. If much of good has apparently been experienced in the lives of mortals with little evidence of effort, how much more of genuine good is in store, and possible of fruition, for thought which dwells in and faithfully depends upon the truth revealed in Science! The human sense of good, of health and prosperity, based upon material beliefs and so-called material powers, is variable and fleeting. It may be a belief in inheritance, the inheritance of good health, wealth, intelligence, or a happy disposition; or some good may seem to come by way of what the world calls luck and good fortune.
The student of Christian Science learns that there is no such thing as good or bad luck in Truth, and that he cannot rely upon uncertain human means and methods, upon so-called material bestowals. He learns to seek the one divine source of all substance, intelligence, and power—to depend upon God for needed wisdom; to look to God, the unfailing source of all good, for health, happiness, and prosperity. To material sense this may seem a straight and narrow path, but if one would be successful one must diligently strive after Truth. The search is sweet and the results are certain. One can never be deprived of the rewards of righteous effort and faithful service. Even though reward seems slow in coming, it is sure to come, for God is just, "and by him actions are weighed." When the individual acts in accord with Truth's demands, he will find his God-given rights and freedom.
