"Unfoldment, not accretion"

The word "accretion" appears only twice in all of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. But it is a mighty word in spiritual instruction. As used by our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, it exposes the false tendency of trying to help ourselves or others by external addition. "Accretion" is a product of mortal mind's limited, false approach to substance.

The Master, Christ Jesus, made this profound statement for all mankind: "The kingdom of God is within you." ^{Luke 17:21;} The understanding that answers every mortal problem must be awakened from within consciousness. Understanding is not a thing to be added to oneself. The true nature of everyone for all time is man's reflection of the substance of Spirit, God, who is present always.

Awakening to the kingdom within and letting it unfold in our daily living is the direct path to spirituality. The word "unfoldment" denotes something coming from within. Waiting or struggling for good to come from a so-called outside source is the way of materiality.

Mrs. Eddy states, "The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained through growth, not accretion . . . ." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 206;} And again, "Christian Science presents unfoldment, not accretion . . . ." ^{Science and Health, p. 68;}

True spirituality knows no measure and satisfies us because it is limitless. But a mortal sense is always measuring and limiting and seems never to have enough. It is this erring approach that dissatisfies.

God's kingdom, the consciousness of spirituality, often seems dormant in humans. But a careful and sincere study of the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy—from the standpoint of awakening to the kingdom already in real consciousness—presents the methodology involved in all true spiritual progress. Realization of the truths of being, deep down in thought, is the only ultimate answer to human difficulties. No circumstance or condition of itself can keep anyone of any race or culture from becoming increasingly conscious of God's kingdom. This realm is never out there, never incomplete, never out of reach. Indestructible and limitless, it is wholly satisfying. For any challenge, we can find a practical answer from God that excludes material grasping.

Paul tells us in no uncertain terms that "now is the accepted time." ^{II Cor. 6:2;} Right now we can exhibit spiritual strength, hope, moral courage, contentment, and confidence. Let's challenge ourselves. Where do we look to find substance, companionship, success, health, home? We can check a false approach, a tendency constantly to seek things or human power. A strong stand to find the kingdom of God right in our very own consciousness is riches untold. A hymn says:

One's job, friends, family, church work are paths to a fuller, more spiritual life if we can see that "before your feet Life's pearl is cast." Mrs. Eddy says of Jesus, "The 'man of sorrows' best understood the nothingness of material life and intelligence and the mighty actuality of all-inclusive God, good." ^{Science and Health, p. 52;} From this standpoint, we acknowledge reverently more of God's ever-present kingdom. Thus the essential need is met as eternal truths come to light. Serious attention to finding God-given good right at hand quiets the lustful mortal senses, searching for ever more matter.

There is no limit to the development of one's individual being under Principle. Principle, God, is Soul, complete and eternal, and He brings forth a complete man, a whole man. Incompleteness, a wanting, longing state of thought, comes from the failure to acknowledge the wholeness of being, where no identity lacks.

A Christian Science nurse attending in the home of a student of Science was sometimes heard to say aloud: "I do acknowledge Thee, Father." This made a lasting impression on that student and tended greatly to an increasing sense of good—right at hand, awaiting acknowledgment on the part of the seeking one. A Christian Science hymn says of Truth: "Long sought without, but found within." ^{Hymnal, No. 229.}