THE desire for success is so universal that books have been written, lectures and sermons delivered, with the hope of setting forth formulas for its attainment. Efforts based upon human theories may be directed toward worthy ends, and they may involve the use of such qualities as patience, perseverance, and courage; nevertheless, it is only as thought is divested of the sense of human personality and its accompanying phases of materialism and limitation that lasting success is achieved.
Success is the outcome of the absolute knowledge of the truth about God and man. Christian Science has revealed this truth to humanity, and those who faithfully adhere to it are seeing evidences of the wisdom and justice of God's plan in their present human experience. Christian Science declares that since God made everything, all creation is as perfect as the Mind that created it. Man, the image and likeness of God, is now in possession of his spiritual heritage, and reflects the qualities and the power of his creator. He is governed by an infallible Principle that holds each identity in harmonious relationship with the whole, and has, by reflection, unlimited opportunity for right activity. Anyone can test and prove these assertions in any legitimate and useful human enterprise.
Christian Science came into the life of a young student who was devoting many hours a day to the practice of an instrument of music, hoping to perfect herself in its use. In an overwhelming enthusiasm for the revelation of Truth she felt willing to give up everything for it, and the thought presented itself, Am I making a good demonstration in continuing these hours of physical practice? Should I not be able to work it out mentally and spiritually? Because her desire was right, a further spiritual unfoldment came somewhat along the following lines: Christian Science does not teach us to discard the human footsteps toward perfection, but enables us to take these steps more wisely and efficiently and with less absorption in the personal and material. In so doing, we become better artists or artisans, better students, business people, or home-makers, genuinely successful in whatever it is right for us to do. So the student joyously continued the daily practice on her chosen instrument.
