Many an individual in these eventful days is living midst surroundings which offer a radically different environment from that to which he is accustomed. Particularly is this true with those in the armed services, where, of necessity, one is required to live in close and constant association with almost every type of human thought. One hears the frequent complaint that the influences of this association are irresistible. In fact, it is even argued by the irresolute that one wishing to advance himself in the services should lay aside his own individual ideas and ideals and adapt his thinking to that which generally surrounds him.
The beloved Leader of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 113), "He who refuses to be influenced by any but the divine Mind, commits his way to God, and rises superior to suggestions from an evil source." The need for standing alertly on guard, in order to identify every thought that presents itself for acceptance, was never greater than at this moment. The onslaught of error from every quarter must be classified as an enemy and resisted if one is to be a demonstrator of Christian Science.
An outstanding example of the processes to be employed in the overcoming of evil environment is seen in the oft-referred-to and much-loved story of Daniel. When Daniel found himself thrust into the den of lions, into an atmosphere of savagery and destruction, he encountered what might be said to be as strong a claim of environment as one could imagine. Yet Daniel did not submit to the conditions he there encountered. Did he not turn his thought to God, to divine Mind, in order that he might receive light on the problem that faced him? Had he believed this environment to be such that he might be overcome by it, he would not have known victory. But was not his call upon infinite Mind to show him the way of release from the belief of what were to human sense terrifying surroundings, answered by an influx of spiritual ideas strengthening him in the realization that Truth and Love alone are the realities of being, and that their opposites, expressed in animality and hate, are errors of human thought, the outcome of spiritual ignorance? The conviction of Truth's allness destroyed the material evidence of animal ferocity and rendered the lions harmless, thereby silencing the lie of threatening danger. Thus Daniel was saved. It is related that in describing his deliverance to King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel declared, "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." God's angel messengers or thoughts are always at hand, under all circumstances and conditions, to silence the lie of human ignorance. But it is the individual's task to turn his gaze toward the source of light in order to receive its rays.
