From the Scriptures we learn that the Israelites received many assurances of the happy destiny available for them. But the fulfillment of these assurances was dependent upon obedience to the law of God, including the Ten Commandments. Over and over again the Israelites broke both the letter and the spirit of the divine commands. As a consequence they suffered severe trials and punishment. They were plagued with disease, with destruction, with captivity.
Christian Science points to the importance of each one acknowledging his noble destiny and recognizing God as the only real power and presence. By so acknowledging Deity and obeying Him, we demonstrate our grand state of being as the sons and daughters of God.
Today there is widespread religious profession on the part of many people. But there is also a deep trust in matter. In fact, this trust amounts often to a conviction that physical science and intellectual progress are more important than spirituality. As long as we give God a subordinate place in our lives and decline to study His requirements intently so that we can understand them, we have placed ourselves in jeopardy. It is wise for us to prepare ourselves spiritually in advance of danger in order to preclude it from our lives or to be secure should it appear to enter our experience.
