True liberty is freedom from the enslavement of the physical senses. Mary Baker Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 228): "The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses." Does the beginner in Christian Science wonder how he can be in bondage since he has the privilege of self-determination? If he does not understand the nature of true emancipation, he may feel that he has full liberty of action. In real freedom, however, we are not bound, controlled, or limited by matter in any form or by any false sense.
Christian Scientists in order to find their true state must claim this heritage of spiritual freedom. They must know that God is Spirit and that man, as His image and likeness, is spiritual. Paul sets forth this concept when he says (II Cor. 3:17), "The Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." As we accept this truth, we are freed from the doubts, fears, and ignorance which would imprison us within the limits of a physical body. Our true freedom from matter is found through the realization of our unity with God. It is manifested to human perception in the overcoming of material laws, false pleasures and appetites, sickness, and undesirable characteristics.
In our modern social order it appears easy to become a victim of the smoking and social drinking habits. One of the subtle beliefs concerning tobacco and liquor is that their use brings us certain advantages. If we are lulled into the acceptance of these beliefs, then we lose our dominion and give our allegiance to matter rather than to God. We must reverse all the tempting suggestions that smoking and drinking can bring joy, attractiveness, social or business prestige, by recognizing that God, Spirit, is the source of all good. Our liberation from this form of bondage comes as we realize that false desires and appetites are no part of true manhood and womanhood, and as we see ourselves as expressions of God, good.
