"Self-Abnegation, by which we lay down all for Truth, or Christ, in our warfare against error, is a rule in Christian Science." This challenging statement on page 568 of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy deserves the closest attention of Christian Scientists.
To some people self-abnegation may suggest a bleak prospect of painful sacrifices culminating only in a distant possibility of salvation. But let such individuals turn to the Bible, that wonderful storehouse of inspired truths, and to the writings of Mrs. Eddy, and they will find numerous promises of happiness and joy awaiting those who overcome a false sense of self.
In Isaiah (29:19) we read, "The meek . . . shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." When we lean confidently on God, we are not surrendering anything that is real. We are giving up only the false sense of self in order to find our true selfhood as the child of God.
