It is wisdom to acknowledge the authority of the Christ under all circumstances. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583) Mary Baker Eddy defines the Christ as, "The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error." Does not this definition show the need of lifting up the Christ and enthroning it in our daily living? Is it necessary for us to submit to the so-called laws of matter, which, in the light of the Christ, have no authority? The answer is an emphatic "No." The only authority is the Christ.
The Christ is in charge in every case, directing us to do the right thing and go the right way, and guiding us into all truth. Christ Jesus said (John 14:6), "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." No man comes to a knowledge of God, Life, Truth, and Love, except through the Christ. To seek God without going to the Christ is like striving to enter a room without going through the door.
The Master said (John 10:7), "I am the door of the sheep." It will be remembered in this connection that a sheepfold in Palestine is a round enclosure with a single opening. In this opening the shepherd reclines so that he is literally the door of the sheep. No lamb can stray from the fold, and no wolf can enter it, except over the recumbent form of the shepherd. The shepherd exercises authority over the flock. He goes before them leading and guiding them. He knows each individual sheep by name and at nightfall leads them into the fold. His authority over the flock is absolute. God and His Christ, the inseparable divine Principle and its idea, are in control. Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 9), "Well is it that the Shepherd of Israel passes all His flock under His rod into His fold; thereby numbering them, and giving them refuge at last from the elements of earth."
