When one ascends the gangplank of an ocean liner prior to his departure for a foreign land, he is prepared to enter upon a new adventure. Although the surroundings may seem strange at first and rough seas may be encountered, the journey must be undertaken in order to reach the destination. Gradually the traveler adjusts himself, and the familiar shore line disappears from sight.
So, when we start on our journey from the darkness of corporeal belief into the light and glory of Soul, we must be prepared to relinquish the belief that identity is material and accept the truth that man is wholly spiritual. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy shows conclusively that belief in a selfhood apart from God keeps us from embarking on our course Spiritward, while obedience to the laws of God puts an end to the restrictions of materiality. She writes (p. 91): "Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."
Awakening to the truth that man is the perfect child of God, and therefore not subject to the ills of the flesh, breaks the dream of distorted material sense and signals our departure from matter to Spirit. Our departure from material sense means the forsaking of everything unlike God, good. Jesus said (Mark 8:34), "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." By renouncing such unholy companions as resentment, criticism, retaliation, and pride we make room for the health-giving qualities of forgiveness, tolerance, humility, and love. Mere human outlining and planning, as well as mad ambition, vanish when our trust in God's unfailing ways and means to success is established. Selfishness, dishonesty, and greed give way to honesty and the joy of unselfed giving.
