One of the greatest problems facing the world today is that of finding a satisfactory solution to the wars and rumors of war that so constantly beset it. Are you and I feeling that as individuals there is little we can do to help solve so complex a problem? Such a temptation—for so it is—might delude us into a state of apathy and helplessness. It must therefore be challenged and resisted, since it is solely upon the thoughts and actions of the individuals who compose the nations that the welfare of the nations depends. We each have a very definite part to play and niche to fill in world affairs and in the establishment of universal peace.
In her work "Pulpit and Press" Mary Baker Eddy asks (p. 4), "Is not a man metaphysically and mathematically number one, a unit, and therefore whole number, governed and protected by his divine Principle, God?" And on the same page she says: "A dewdrop reflects the sun. Each of Christ's little ones reflects the infinite One, and therefore is the seer's declaration true, that 'one on God's side is a majority.' A single drop of water may help to hide the stars, or crown the tree with blossoms."
With these encouraging facts regarding the importance and indispensability of the work of the individual, may we not prayerfully search our thoughts and lives to see what we may contribute to the cause of international peace and freedom? In this work could anything be more comforting than the great spiritual facts which Christian Science has brought to light, namely, that God, good, is the only power and presence, that His universe is spiritual and perfect, and that man, made in His image and likeness, is incapable of sin, disease, and death?
Peace is a state of consciousness, or the kingdom of heaven within, which we realize and enjoy as we endeavor constantly to demonstrate man's unity with God, his inseparability from and inevitable expression of all the Christlike qualities that constitute true peace. This peace the world can neither give, destroy, nor violate, and it must eventually be individually claimed, lived, and established in the consciousness of all men.
How shall we accept and demonstrate for ourselves and for the world this peace which is actually as present as God Himself? Turning for enlightenment to the Bible, we find that when thrown into the den of lions Daniel made no attempt to struggle or light; nor did he entertain thoughts of hatred or retaliation towards the king. But he stood, calmly realizing the presence and power of the God whom he continually worshiped and served. For him no power but good existed, and he was unharmed.
Wonderful instances of protection from disaster and destruction through prayer, confidence in God, and the expectation of good have occurred in every age. One such incident took place during the summer of 1775 in the county of Saratoga, New York, where a group of God-fearing men, women, and children had gathered for worship in a crude wooden structure. On account of the excessive heat the door had been left open. The meeting had begun with the comforting and assuring words from Deuteronomy (33: 12), "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall c over him all the day long."
This message was being silently pondered when a sound of rustling was heard in the bushes outside. Then at one of the windows colored feathers appeared, moving slowly in the direction of the door, where presently there stood, in menacing attitude, the chief of a tribe of redskins. He was immediately followed by a dozen more Indians in full war paint. Poisoned arrows were taken from their sheaths and made ready to shoot. With no material weapons of defense, but spiritually equipped with weapons more powerful than "the arrow that flieth by day" (Ps. 91:5), the little praying community remained calm, silent, and fearless, filled with thoughts of love for God and man that no hate could withstand. Suddenly the redskin chief lowered his head, and his arms dropped to his side. Quietly he entered the room and sat down. One by one his warriors followed his example, and all united in prayer and thanksgiving to the Great Spirit.
A peace-loving nation arms itself not with any desire to harm another nation but in order to protect itself from what it fears may be the aggressive intentions of another nation. It takes what the majority of its members believe to be the safest course under the prevailing circumstances and conditions. The salvation of the nations depends upon the individual demonstration of freedom from fear, suspicion, and distrust. How essential then that we, each one of us, seek and find the sure way to work out our salvation.
In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 30), "We cannot choose for ourselves, but must work out our salvation in the way Jesus taught." Surely we have no option but to follow him and to do the works he commanded us to do. What is more capable of giving a true sense of joy and peace than to know that our lives are contributing to the general welfare of mankind? Salvation from destruction is ours as we stand firmly with Truth, steadfastly beholding the Christ-idea and abiding in the consciousness of Love, which never fails to liberate and bless. As we learn to love God, good, supremely and our neighbor as ourselves, we see perfect Love in operation, casting out fear, hatred, and lack and bringing to light the peace that the Master taught and lived.
Reaching out for a fuller understanding of the Christ, Truth, which Jesus so plainly revealed in his words and works, we shall find the motive for all we say and do to be the glorification of God and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Then our present meager sense of goodness will expand into a fuller spiritual reflection of the one eternal, immutable good, to which Christ Jesus referred when he said (Matt. 19:17), "There is none good but one, that is, God."
Through calm, consecrated study of the Bible and of Mrs. Eddy's writings we shall arm ourselves with the spiritual weapons of love, joy, honesty, meekness, good will, and trustworthiness. Thus shall we hasten
"The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled with
the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea."
