When spiritual truth, as revealed in Christian Science, begins to illumine the thought and experience of one who is receptive, he comes gradually into a realization of Paul's assurance (II Cor. 5:17), "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." One may be surprised at the changes this light makes in his thinking, hence also in his activities, changes which once would have seemed impossible.
At times, however, he may not clearly see how to apply this new-found spiritual truth in his relations to society. On the one hand, there are the requirements of divine Mind —the demands of the Ten Commandments and the sublime instructions of the Sermon on the Mount, all of which he wishes to obey. On the other hand, there are the responsibilities of everyday life—his obligations as a citizen and member of human society—which he does not wish to neglect. Therefore he may at times find it difficult to discern with certainty the often faint line of demarcation between good and evil, right and wrong.
In carrying out his civic duties it is helpful to a Christian Scientist to keep constantly in mind the illuminating example of the way our Master carried out his duties as a citizen. There is nothing in the records of Jesus' earthly life, as handed down to us in the four Gospels, which would indicate that in his healing and teaching he ever advised anyone to disregard rightful human obligations, to have any part in negligence, disorders, or sabotage, or that he recommended forceful opposition to the authorities.
He said to the hypocritical Pharisees, who by scrupulous observance of the letter of the law endeavored to cover up their lack of spirituality and disregard for justice and the love of God (Luke 11:42), "These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." To his contemporaries, who may have hoped he would support them in their resistance to taxation, he said (Luke 20:25), "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Casar's, and unto God the things which be God's." At the time of his arrest, when the impetuous Peter cut off the ear of one of the high priest's servants, Jesus directed him to put up his sword and immediately healed the servant.
Uppermost in his daily work were order, economy, obedience to God, untiring helpfulness, and above all compassionate and healing love for all the suffering and erring. Should not this life of perfect work, of love, and of victory encourage us to higher and more exemplary activity, that our lives may be a blessing and an example to all with whom we come in contact?
Our great Master's earnest admonition that no man can serve two masters and his advice to the rich young man to give up his false evaluation of material possessions and follow him often seem to the student exacting requirements for spiritual progress. When, however, he has learned to listen quietly and humbly for the voice of Spirit and avails himself of divine aid, he will be guided to make the right decisions. Belief in the supposed reality of the temporal and material will diminish, and the understanding of Spirit and that which is spiritual as the only reality will gain ascendancy in his thought. Thus spiritual understanding will increasingly govern his efforts and experiences in society and in public life.
As in the time of Jesus, men today have a sharp eye for what is going on, and because they are accustomed to judge not righteous judgment but according to the outward appearance, the Christian Scientist's behavior as a member of society is keenly watched. It is therefore of primary importance that this behavior be in accordance with the highest standard of Truth; that he exemplify at all times honesty, order, fidelity, and reliability.
It is also a truism that the most effective form of instruction is one's own good example. Mary Baker Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 453), "Honesty is spiritual power." If we have learned this and have proved that truthfulness, brotherly love, and kindly consideration for the rights and privileges of others are characteristics of an intelligent, healthy sense of citizenship, people will be glad of our presence in their midst.
Exemplary conduct in the community is a blessing to all concerned. It is the way to the hearts of our fellow men which enhance their respect for our Cause. This respect promotes our higher task of impressing a perplexed world with the healing and redeeming power of Truth and Love.
The real Christian Scientist lives a life of love, of genuine usefulness. Even though this life may be passed in humbleness and quietness, it cannot fail to impress all who observe it, and its example will speak to all who are receptive. Should a Scientist attain some position which demands of him increased consideration for his fellow men and greater responsibility for the welfare of the public, his calmness, compassion, and good sense will be especially beneficial.
Should a situation arise in which it is necessary to conform temporarily to human methods, this will not prevent him from relying firmly in his thought on divine Principle, and so steadfastly striving to keep in the perfect way of God. He will keep in thought the instruction of our Leader (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 288), "Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute." He rejoices in the certainty that although mortal jurisdiction may temporarily darken his path, all true thought and action is under God's protection and, in accordance with our right desire, divine law is seen to govern the situation in harmony and peace.
Earnest Christian Scientists know that to be in the world but not of it means constantly to live in conscious oneness with divine Spirit, to reflect spiritual qualities, and to deny the false testimony of the material senses; it means also to know and recognize that in temporal affairs, in private, social, and public life, all that is real, good, and true accords with the demands of God.
In his prayer for himself and his followers on the night of his arrest, Jesus did not ask that they be taken out of the world, but that they might be preserved from the evil (John 17:15); in other words, that their earthly experience might be unblemished by materialism. Deliverance from evil is not attained without prayer and work. It is won only through the recognition that evil is unreal, and that God's eternal power and love alone govern.
That we seem to be in the world is neither to our credit nor to our discredit; but whether or not we are of the world is our individual responsibility. God is the Father of man, and it is the right and duty of each of us to be conscious of his true nature as the offspring of Spirit, not of matter. Each may claim the right and ability to rest consciously in God's omnipotence, thereby finding security, abundance, and peace.
The spiritual law of Truth and Love is the basis of real unfoldment, and this law, if applied understandingly, silences the discords of material existence. This rectifying law of God can be brought to bear upon all the activities of private and public life.
Christian Scientists act scientifically and wisely when, with understanding and in willing subordination to divine law, they become a law unto themselves, letting God's will guide and determine their every step. How else can one be freed from the burden of tradition and biased education than by resolute, scientific right thinking? How else can the sin, poverty, and unrest of the world be healed than through purification and spiritualization of thought?
Our Master said (John 8:32), "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." The Christian Scientist knows what his mission in life is. At all times he has the opportunity to testify, silently or audibly, to the truth which makes free. The fact is that God's perfection, power, and love are expressed, unadulterated and unimpaired, in all of His creation.
In proportion as we grasp this fact, we shall joyfully demonstrate man's innate goodness and perfection and shall support all that is really good and true in human relationships. Our spiritual attitude will be a benefit to society and will help support all those who in administrative, judicial, legislative, and social affairs are responsible for the welfare of humanity. Inasmuch as sowing must precede harvest, every Christian Scientist, in whatever position he may be, will faithfully and perseveringly sow the seeds of love, of right, of peace, of justice, and will confidently leave the fruitage to Him who does all things well.
The leaven of Truth will increasingly alter, purify, and uplift human consciousness. The truth of the eternality of divine Life and the forever fact of man's perfection, freedom, and immortality must be exemplified to the whole world, for this truth alone can save men from discord, bondage, and death. The belief of domination and oppression is as old as mortal mind, but the mark of Cain on its forehead should lead men to ban it. Inasmuch as God's spiritual, perfect creation is present reality, in which nothing has ever been changed, the concepts of sin, sickness, material force, and injustice are nothing more than the result of erroneous mortal thinking.
Christian Scientists in many parts of the world are faithfully and consistently at work endeavoring to correct erroneous thinking at home and abroad. Then, in the words of Paul to the Galatians (Gal. 6:9), "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
