One usually acts in a Christian manner when circumstances are pleasing to him. But how should one act when situations or the actions of others do not agree with his ideas of justice? The temptation then is for one to disagree with another in a disagreeable manner. Such unchristian conduct is the result of accepting material sense testimony as true. This always mesmerizes one into believing that a person is the agent or the victim of evil. Christian Science teaches us that disagreeableness is not in another, but is our own false concept of man.
Mary Baker Eddy states in "Miscellaneous Writings" on page 135: "Again I repeat, person is not in the question of Christian Science. Principle, instead of person, is next to our hearts, on our lips, and in our lives." It behooves each one of us to maintain in his consciousness his God-given right of good will toward men, no matter what the human circumstances may be.
But how should one think and act under trying circumstances? The Manual of The Mother Church, written by Mrs. Eddy, gives an answer. Each Rule and By-Law in this important book not only governs the Church of Christ, Scientist, and the individual Christian Scientist, but is also well worth the study of all Christendom. For instance, part of Article XXXIII, Section 2, reads: "It shall be the duty of the Committee on Publication to correct in a Christian manner impositions on the public in regard to Christian Science, injustices done Mrs. Eddy or members of this Church by the daily press, by periodicals or circulated literature of any sort." So also any injustices done to any of us by another should be corrected in a Christian manner.
A student of Christian Science was employed in an office where two other workers acted in a far from Christian manner. One was constantly impatient and the other was continuously sarcastic. The student knew that nothing is gained by meeting impatience with more impatience and sarcasm with more sarcasm. She knew that God's ideas do not bicker with one another and that what she needed to do was to express more of the Christ in her own life.
Knowing that God alone governs, guides, and corrects, she kept watch over and controlled her own emotions of impatience, self-pity, resentment, and sarcasm. She did not permit herself to think or to say one unkind thing about the other two. Thus she kept her peace, her poise, her calmness, and good will toward men. As we read in the Bible (Ps. 101:2-4): "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.... I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.... I will not know a wicked person."
The argument came: "If I am too mild, these two will walk over me. Should I rebuke them?" But she knew that Godlike thinking destroys mortal thoughts and thus eliminates mortal effects in one's experience. God-bestowed ideas of patience, poise, calmness, and trust in good, accepted and held to in consciousness, are powerful. The student continued to know that all is well, no matter what the human pictures seem to be. She rejoiced in God's loving care for man. The sarcasm and impatience gradually faded away, and there were no more unpleasant situations.
Christian Science teaches us that we must see each other as in reality God's reflection. Our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, did not permit personal arguments of revenge to hold him in bondage. At the betrayal of the Master by Judas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, in quick resentment at the injustices done Jesus, "smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear" (Luke 22:50). Our Master, not deceived by the thoughts of personal revenge, but maintaining calm trust in God, turned to the servant, "touched his ear, and healed him." Jesus acted in a Christian manner.
To act in a Christly manner, therefore, means that one must maintain the calm of spiritual apprehension and stand mentally and audibly for that which seems right to him, without bitter thoughts, harsh words, or the refusal to speak to another.
Am I accepting suggestions from mortal mind or ideas from divine Mind? is the question one should frequently ask himself. In the proportion that one controls hurt feelings, revenge, injustice, and criticism in his own thinking, in that proportion is there just that much less evil accepted in the world. And others too become more conscious of the power and presence of God. Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 152), "Of this we may be sure: that thoughts winged with peace and love breathe a silent benediction over all the earth, cooperate with the divine power, and brood unconsciously o'er the work of His hand."
How important it is to remind ourselves that thoughts of peace and love are the angel messages that derive from the divine power. Thus it behooves each one of us to use each moment as a glorious opportunity to think and to act in a Christian manner. This is not always easy; in fact, it is a constant warfare with thoughts opposed to God. The battleground is our own thinking. So let us commence within our own doors, with our family, our neighbors, and those with whom we come in daily contact. And in our church meetings or in a business meeting when we disagree with other members, we should disagree in a Christian manner. Each of us should face every day with courage, faith, and trust in God's love. Thus the injustices of mortal mind will be corrected in our experience and in the universe. How important we are as God's representatives!
