All the accomplishments of the great pioneers of humanity were achieved because they had the strength to go on in the face of seemingly unsurmountable odds. Christian Science teaches us that strength is derived from God, the source of all power. The Psalmist recognized this truth and said (Ps. 18:32), "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."
A consistent cultivation and exercise of the spiritual qualities which characterize man in God's image and likeness enable one to demonstrate his true relationship to God. This exercise can be compared to that of the pianist who consistently practices in order to maintain and improve his technique. A great pianist once said that if he didn't practice one day, he knew it. If he didn't practice two days, his whole family knew it. And if he didn't practice three days, his audiences knew it.
Success in anything is not achieved without consistent work. Mrs. Eddy writes in her Message to The Mother Church for 1900, "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work—work—watch and pray'" (p. 2). Like the great pianist, Christian Scientists practice their religion, and sometimes they call this practice "work."
