"YE are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness" (I Thess. 5:5). In these words Paul proclaims man's origin, identity, and destiny.
Regarded metaphysically, light is mental and spiritual enlightenment. It also denotes divinity. Therefore, the above statement is an assurance of alliance with all that is good and harmonious. It is our absolute authority for asserting dominion over darkness, or evil, and all its hosts, which are productive only of mental and bodily misery, chaos, and death.
An expanded sense of man's divine son-ship may be found in this passage in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy (p. 305): "Man, in the likeness of his Maker, reflects the central light of being, the invisible God."
But, alas, human sense often fails to distinguish clearly between the qualities of light and those of darkness. For instance, it may contend that descents into the valley of mental depression can aid one in attaining emotional heights. For many years I held that view and had periods of moodiness. Since that is a characteristic of many persons in glamorous professions, I gloried in it somewhat, calling it artistic temperament.
Through the study of Christian Science, however, I became acquainted with the statements quoted above, and I accepted as a divine command the passage in Ephesians (5:8), "Walk as children of light." Thus I learned that the habit I had been indulging was not a mark of distinction to be cultivated, but a fault to be corrected.
Certainly there cannot be even the faintest shadow in "the central light of being." Then, identifying oneself even temporarily with any dark or even shadowy sense, mental or physical, is surely sinful, an immature state of thinking, a selfish waste of time, and as illogical as looking beneath the earth for sunshine.
Spiritual understanding exposes mental depression as a form of self-mesmerism, a demon that not only tortures its victim but also during his subjection renders him incapable of helping either himself or others; and it casts a shadow upon the lives of his associates. So-called temperamental thinking puts happiness and success on a personal basis, subject to the whims of chance. It can lead to defeat and even suicide.
However, neither can occur when one is mindful of his reflection of "the central light of being, the invisible God." To be thus mindful, we must necessarily know Him whom we reflect. Such knowledge may be obtained through study in Mrs. Eddy's writings of references to the seven synonyms for God: Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit, Love, Truth, Life; and in the Bible to those verses where many of these synonyms are mentioned or implied. The synonyms are facets of the heavenly prism from which emanate the varied hues characterizing divinity.
For example, it is found that from Principle come such qualities as obedience, integrity, and stability, orderly and lawful conduct. Principle is evidenced as we maintain right relationships with our associates at home, in school, at work, and in social and political life. Mind is the source of intelligence, accuracy, creativity, originality, and all other qualities capable of initiating constructive projects and carrying them to successful completion.
Those who recognize their lives as based on Principle and Mind succeed through steady, faithful endeavor, advancing with the confidence of humility because they know their capabilities are God-bestowed, God-protected, and God-employed. They: develop their talents. If at times their efforts fail to receive appreciation, they nevertheless keep their tools sharp.
Mind-directed artists and writers continue with their work even when they are not selling their productions. Wise members of the performing arts keep in practice. During interludes between engagements, many also take further instruction. Thus they emerge from such periods possessed of advanced knowledge and techniques and of fresh confidence and enthusiasm. Many businessmen have testified to demonstration over lax periods through relying on Mind's guidance and knowing that every useful enterprise manifests the Father's business.
Truth embraces all the facts of the universe, including man. Bearing witness to Truth means not only being honest in the usual sense but also recognizing as true only those qualities and manifestations which express Truth, the divine creator. Therefore, acceptance of physical ailments or faults of character as realities concerning ourselves or others is bearing false witness against the real man. Proportionate to the understanding and demonstration of Love is the measure of comfort and healing given and received, the joy found in selfless service.
But how can we keep our eyes on the light when the world is perpetually thrusting dark, ugly pictures before us? Study of the Bible and of our Leader's writings and practice of what we learn keep the light glowing in consciousness. We must strive every day to rise higher Spiritward. When all is going smoothly with our human affairs there is sometimes an inclination to postpone this heavenly ascent. Then the darkness may come in the form of some problem, and, because the spiritual sense is slumbering, there is difficulty in finding the light.
It is as a rule easier to grasp and store up divine knowledge while harmony is being experienced than to do so when trouble clouds the vision. And with our thinking established on a firm foundation, emergencies occur less frequently.
Memorizing is most helpful. How often light is found by recalling a passage that has been studied or the words of a hymn! Gratitude is a never-failing guide to spiritual light. It can replace illness and despair with healing and joy. In even the darkest hours we can be grateful that God is present. We can be grateful for Christ Jesus and for our Leader and the Science she discovered which has taught us to "walk as children of light."
Gratitude for this enlightenment makes us mindful of our responsibilities to the Cause of Christian Science and to the world. If each individual Christian Scientist proves to be faithful in walking as a child of light, how many needy ones will be led to investigate the source of that radiance! How much darkness will be dispelled from the world!
This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity.—Jeremiah 31:33, 34.
