For many people the beginning of a new year is a time for taking stock of personal progress. But what is our standard? A thoughtful American writer, Vance Packard, has theorized that many people acquire new material possessions to satisfy the need to feel that they are advancing their position in life. The Christian Scientist's gauge of progress is not the new car in the driveway, the newest gadget, a finer home—in short, matter—but his enlarged understanding of God's allness. This understanding brings to his present experience the evidence of Love manifested humanly in comfort, security, convenience, or right activity, as the need may be; but, fundamentally, progress is indicated in the overcoming of the limitations inherent in materiality.
Mrs. Eddy writes in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 181): "Progress is spiritual. Progress is the maturing conception of divine Love; it demonstrates the scientific, sinless life of man and mortal's painless departure from matter to Spirit, not through death, but through the true idea of Life,—and Life not in matter but in Mind."
The Bible is full of instances that show the true progress which unfolded for those who were faithful to God. Joseph, who rose from captivity to great power and wealth, comes quickly to mind, not to mention Solomon, Hezekiah, Job, Daniel, and other great Biblical figures. The Psalmist, referring to the man who loved the law of God, promised (Ps. 1:3), "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
