The introduction to the story of Job includes this statement: "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them." Job 1:6; This may indicate a frequent experience among students of Christian Science who are progressing in the study and application of their religion. When progress is in the offing and one is taking forward steps, there may be a claim of mortal mind that the devil too tries to come along to challenge one's progress. How do we face this suggestion and dispossess it of any effect?
One of the main facets of this error is the belief in personal sense. Progressive steps present the temptation of egotism, and it is wise for one to be watchful that this suggestion does not take hold of his thought and spoil the joy of forward motion. Immediately after John had baptized Jesus and there had come the benediction, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," Matt. 3:17; came the devil to tempt Jesus with various suggestions. Jesus met them fearlessly and disposed of them by adhering faithfully to one God, one Mind. Personal sense may present itself in any of a variety of forms: pride, envy, jealousy, a belief in reversal, a sense of division and dissension.
It is only a personal sense of ability that is affected by reaction and reversal. When we rest our progress on the unfolding of God's plan and the demonstration of God's ability, we know that there is no opposite power and hence no reaction to forward motion. It was Christ Jesus' humility that protected him, for he knew that his ability came from God and was not subject to reversal.
