That "man's extremity is God's opportunity" was brought to me very forcibly several years ago. My wife and three children were all active Christian Scientists; and while I had an increasing desire for church membership, I could not understand why I could not continue to use tobacco and alcohol. Not only did I think they were necessary to my peace of mind, but I insisted on my freedom to use them.
I attended church regularly with my family, sought and received Christian Science help when the occasion arose, and had many healings of physical ailments. I was perfectly content to continue the easy way without what, I thought, were unreasonable restrictions.
A time came when I found myself in a position of heavy responsibility in business, and the burden seemed more than I could bear. Not only was there much internal dissension brought on by jealousy, greed, and fear, but the business itself was sick, and to all human appearances it was slipping badly. My resentment grew because I felt that I had become the unfortunate victim of the errors of others. Self–righteousness claimed me as its victim too.
