THE Founding Fathers of the United States recognized the spiritual basis for all liberties when they embodied in the Declaration of Independence the concept that all men "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Within the framework of human government many of these rights have already been secured. In a progressive society this is cause for gratitude. However, the fullness of one's spiritual selfhood cannot be set forth or protected by legal documents.
The means of effectively asserting a fuller sense of worthiness for progress is available today through Christian Science. The remedy for all limitations, economic or otherwise, lies in one's identification of himself as spiritual.
In Miscellany, Mrs. Eddy states (p. 158), "The burden of proof that Christian Science is Science rests on Christian Scientists." In sustaining this burden of proof the student of Christian Science joyously works to prove that sin, disease, and death, as well as limited personal liberties, are not part of God's creation. He recognizes that the benefits of Science are matched by corresponding duties.
Just as one cannot ignore traffic laws and then truthfully plead not guilty to a violation, so one cannot ignore spiritual law and the faithful application of the Science of being and expect healing and progress. One's demonstration cannot exceed one's commitment to Truth. One who seeks constantly to know and do God's will demonstrates greater freedom than one who is halfhearted. The unfoldment of a more spiritual sense of life comes when one prayerfully desires to give time and thought to knowing and doing God's will. The greater one's total commitment to Truth, the greater the unfoldment. Thus one gains true freedom. Freedom is growth under God's guidance and direction. It comes when we claim our rights as God's image and likeness; we possess good by reflecting God.
One seeking spiritual freedom also mentally claims that neither heredity nor a human beginning determines his worth, which is in proportion to his spirituality. Intelligence, alertness, and willingness to do the job at hand enable one to bless himself and others. Increasing opportunities open up as Godlike qualities are affirmed and expressed in one's business and social activities. With expanding opportunities should come greater magnanimity; we should rejoice in the demonstrations of Truth by others and support them by refusing to classify individuals according to personal backgrounds or traits.
Study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, and serving in the branch church are outward signs of the inner conviction that Christian Science is of God and that one desires to aid in the leavening of world thought, which will free all men.
The fruitage of claiming one's rights comes in further unfoldment of spiritual selfhood. Talents that may have been unknown or forgotten come to light, or increased opportunity may open up where one is already placed in business or a profession. Whatever the fruitage of his unfoldment, one will be able to express greater usefulness, maturity, judgment, and resourcefulness. In I Corinthians we read (12:4), "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." Christian Scientists sustain "the burden of proof that Christian Science is Science" when they prove by their works that the source of their good is God.
Still further evidence that one has claimed his rights and is enjoying them becomes apparent with new, more satisfying bases for thinking and living. Increasing dominion and self-respect modify mere human reactions to unjust attitudes of society. Awakened to spiritual progress, one is not a delinquent member of society, a burden to law enforcement officers, or a charge on social services. Asserting his spiritual individuality, one is self-respecting and respectful of the rights of others. He will hold thought to the good in his situation and see good magnified in his experience. He will see the wisdom of using his present abilities and praying for further unfoldment of talents and abilities. He will not seek a position of which he has not become worthy.
A student of Christian Science in seeking a college education found herself burdened by economic and social limitations. Menial work filled her day. It seemed unjust that others with poorer scholastic records should have the means for a college education while she toiled endlessly long days and was too weary at night to study.
In an effort to correct her own thought, she sought earnestly to get a clearer understanding of God. She resolved to begin and end her day with prayer and the study of the Bible and of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, as well as the other writings of our Leader. She found tremendous uplift as do all who turn to God for guidance. She endeavored to hold her thought constantly to that which was good and true.
The first healing was that of fatigue. Instead of waking wearily and reluctantly to another day of toil, she found herself eagerly looking forward to each new day. Shortly thereafter she received a scholarship and an unexpected insurance endowment which enabled her to live in a dormitory. During the balance of her college and graduate years she was able to earn what she needed by doing office work while still enjoying dormitory experience. Social opportunities opened up. Limitations fell away, and greater freedom and joy were hers. Spiritual growth freed her from various economic and social limitations.
One can progress out of limitations as certainly as he can free himself from sin and sickness. Mrs. Eddy speaks of the overcoming of sin, sickness, and death as proofs of Christian power, proofs such as Jesus gave. She writes, "This is an element of progress, and progress is the law of God, whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfil" (Science and Health, p. 233). One can claim this progress now and carry forward the burden of proving it in proportion to his present growth and devotion to Truth. Even now man is God's image and likeness, the full and free expression of His nature. This fact opens the door to all good. No barrier stands in the way of those who understand the truths of God and man.
