The battalion column wound its way into camp on the completion of an arduous march. Weary and dusty, the men plodded on, desiring only a meal and rest. Standing watching were two men from battalion headquarters whose duties had kept them in camp. Suddenly one of them drew attention to the officer leading a passing platoon. He commented on how remarkably fresh the officer appeared, compared with the others. "Oh," was the reply, "he's a Christian Scientist!"
This observation greatly impressed the first speaker. He recalled that his own platoon officer was also a Christian Scientist. So, having a difficult problem at that time, he decided to ask his officer for advice. As a consequence, he was offered and accepted help in Christian Science, and in due course he became an earnest student of its teachings.
The officer whose untired demeanor had inspired this incident was naturally unaware of it. Throughout the day he had been rejoicing in the truths about man in God's image and likeness. He had clung to the concept of man as the perfect reflection of Life, expressing the divine qualities of freedom, activity, and strength. Pondering and affirming these fundamental facts of man's being, he had been refreshed by the ceaseless, spontaneous flow of Mind's ideas, excluding limiting material beliefs. With the perfect model of man's true selfhood upheld in consciousness, he had indeed been inspired by this great verity. To him had come the words of Isaiah (Isa. 60:1), "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."
What is this light that is come? On page 510 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy explains that "light is a symbol of Mind, of Life, Truth, and Love, and not a vitalizing property of matter." Since man is the compound idea of Mind, expressing Life, Truth, and Love, the light of Mind confers on him the realization and understanding of his God and his spiritual selfhood. In our human experience intelligence, or spiritual enlightenment, displaces the dark, ignorant beliefs of mortal sense that claim man is unlike God.
As each day dawns, let us establish this enlightened sense in our consciousness by claiming and knowing the absolute truths about God's spiritual universe. God's work is done, and man is the perfect representative of the creative Mind. Man represents Mind in wisdom, Spirit in purity, Soul in awareness, Principle in courage, Life in health, Truth in truthfulness, and Love in humility and selflessness. These and all other attributes of the divine nature are forever manifested by man, for he is at one with and inseparable from God, infinite good. As the student perceives, accepts, and retains in thought these right ideas, and energetically rejects mortal mind's conflicting suggestions of imperfection and inability, he will find inspiration illuming his path and harmony pervading his experience.
In the ninth chapter of Mark's Gospel is a vivid description of the transfiguration of Christ Jesus. After he ascended a high mountain, which might typify the elevating of his thought to at-one-ment with divine Mind, "his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow." It is also recorded of Moses that when he came down from Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments, "the skin of his face shone" (Ex. 34:30). Here is Biblical confirmation of the fact that a clear recognition of the divine light is evidenced humanly.
To Christian Scientists Christ Jesus is the perfect example. Following in his footsteps and obeying his precepts, we, in our turn, should set the example for mankind. Remember our Master's admonition (Matt. 5:14, 16): "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
As a follower of the Saviour, the Christian Scientist is mentally ascending the hill of spiritualization, surmounting the obstacles in the ascending path as he progresses. Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health (p. 66), "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love." He perceives ever more clearly his spiritual selfhood, and rejoices in reflected grandeur. If this reflected radiance of being awakens some of the valley dwellers from their apathy, encouraging them to follow the path to the faith-lighted Horeb peak, then truly has the Scientist's light shone in good works, glorifying the Father of all.
Such was the experience of a student of Christian Science, one of a large draft of officers arriving at an overseas station notorious for its excessive heat and insalubrity. One by one the officers succumbed to the various prevalent claims of sickness. By the end of three months, all except the Christian Scientist had spent some time in the hospital. He alone had a record of uninterrupted duty. During this period erroneous suggestions constantly presented themselves to him, but he strove to exclude from consciousness whatever would mar his concept of God's perfect man, whether the suggestion concerned himself or a colleague. Through this steadfast adherence to the teachings of Christian Science he was able to refute every false belief.
On being transferred from the area, our friend was warmly complimented on his excellent example. Later, upon revisiting the unit, he was interested to be told that while at the station he had been a closely marked and much discussed man. His faithful stand for Christ Jesus' teachings had made him a beacon light amidst the gloomy beliefs of those around. This example of loyalty to duty inspired others to inquire into Christian Science, and at least five commenced studying the textbook, with gratifying results.
We all must watch our concept of creation, and keep it strictly Godlike. Then the light of our spiritualized thought will shine on and bless all who are ready to accept it. If we are conscious of the omnipresence of the Father-Mother's tender love for all, our thought will embrace all mankind, and this light shining into dark corners will stir the sleepers from their earthly dreams. Inevitably, the attraction and comfort of Spirit thus reflected will inspire others to seek the source of that which is blessing us. Here is an opportunity to pass on the simple truths of being, and perhaps to invite the inquirer to read some Christian Science literature. While the pure revelation of Truth is to be found in our Leader's writings—primarily the textbook, which contains the complete statement of the Christ Science —sometimes individual explanation may serve to break the ice of uninformed prejudice.
Our light shines never more brightly than in little kindnesses to others. The spontaneous smile, the ready greeting, the helping hand, the reassuring word—all these fulfill the Golden Rule. Love of God and man is the royal way, possessing all the splendor and riches of Truth's sovereign presence. As Love's reflected light pours forth in unselfed love, man's perfect nature is more and more revealed. Grace, nobility, and compassion are naturally expressed, with the joy and peace that are their close companions.
Darkness can never resist light. Radiance effortlessly displaces darkness. May we go into the world letting our light of spiritual understanding and purity outshine the murk of ignorance and fear! Our Leader once wrote of the members of her household (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 355): "Their faces shine with the reflection of light and love; their footsteps are not weary; their thoughts are upward; their way is onward, and their light shines." We too can earn such praise. Why not? Be a shining light!
