On page 93 of "Retrospection and Introspection" Mrs. Eddy writes, "The best spiritual type of Christly method for uplifting human thought and imparting divine Truth, is stationary power, stillness, and strength." Often throughout the Bible a beautiful promise follows the request to be still. The command of Moses to the children of Israel when they were pursued by the Egyptians was, "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." It will be observed that Moses first requested them to "stand still," which may be taken to mean that they should quiet fear, and look to God, the only true source of deliverance. An admonition of God to the Psalmist was, "Be still, and know that I am God." When we practice the true sense of stillness by silencing materiality, we are then enabled through spiritual sense to see and know and enjoy God.
The qualities of constancy and firmness have been recognized throughout all time as indispensable to success. To none are these qualities more requisite than to the student of Christian Science. It is not sufficient for him to trust God and think rightly part of the time; no promise of reward is given for half-way consecration. The promise is always to him that abides; and to abide is to dwell. Jesus so abode in the truth, and his thinking was so pure, that his very presence was a rebuke to error, as when the unclean spirit cried, "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?" This constant realization of spiritual strength, which uncovers and destroys everything unlike itself, should be the goal of every student of Christian Science.
When we steadfastly abide in the truth, we shall destroy every form of error that is presented to us. Many times we fail to make demonstrations because we do not really apply the understanding we have. The truth of this was proved by a student of Christian Science whose apartment became infested with ants. This erroneous condition was allowed to remain undisturbed for some time. Finally, the realization came that she had been accepting the false argument that this was a small matter, and that other things requiring mental work were much more important. Immediately the truth was applied, the realization being made that God's spiritual law is operating and governing all His ideas harmoniously, and that none are out of their right place. It was also clearly seen that for one idea to disturb or harm another is not according to the divine plan. The result was almost immediate freedom from this disturbance. Within a short time all trace of the ants had disappeared. The incident showed that no form of error which confronts us is so small that it should not receive its rebuke.
At no time is there greater need for calm, steady faith than in the healing work of Christian Science. The one who is unmoved by false evidence possesses the power which will vanquish error. A beautiful example of unwavering faith in God and its unfailing result is that of the Shunammite woman who went to Elisha for help. Although her child had died, when Elisha questioned her, "Is it well with the child?" she replied, "It is well." What exalted spiritual thinking and steadfast faith must have inspired this reply! She must have had a clear perception that life is eternal. Another lesson that should not be overlooked in this story is in the Shunammite's refusal to voice error. When she was asked by her husband why she wished to go to Elisha, she maintained her unshaken confidence in God and, refusing to relate the false evidence regarding the child, replied, "It shall be well." How prone we are at times to repeat erroneous conditions, justifying ourselves with the thought that we have classified the situation as erroneous! Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 346), "It is a rule in Christian Science never to repeat error unless it becomes requisite to bring out Truth." This is a terse statement. If we allow ourselves to repeat any form of error in any way, except as an aid in bringing out the truth, we are disobeying this rule, which our Leader has given us.
"Stationary power" is not attained in a day, but comes as the result of subduing human will, purifying thought, and waiting patiently for God's way to be unfolded. We may have worked long and faithfully on some so-called problem without seeing the desired result. We may even feel that we have done all we can do; but unless harmony has displaced inharmony, health has replaced sickness, and goodness has overcome evil, we have not yet done all. Let us first of all be sure we clearly realize that we of ourselves can do nothing; that God does the work; and that our part is to stand steadfast in the realization of this truth. Any erroneous condition with which we are confronted is a problem to us only because we have not yet clearly seen the presence of Truth and the unreality of the error. Let us press on with our faith in God unmoved, and we shall gain the spiritual vision which will enable us to see evil's unreality.
When we reach the place where we can be joyous, grateful, and confident before we see the solution of a problem, we are gaining the exalted spiritual vision which will enable us to rise quickly above any discordant condition. No trying experience is profitable to us unless we emerge from it with greater spiritual understanding. Let us, regardless of material evidence, reverse the error, and begin to give thanks for the circumstance that is causing us to rise to greater spiritual heights. No form of error can long remain in the experience of one whose heart is filled with gratitude.
The abiding consciousness of God's allness is never reached while we indulge in any form of sin, or entertain thoughts of selfishness, resentment, or pride. The more good we express, the more we gain the abiding power of good. One often hears the expression from a student of Christian Science that he is not making the desired progress; that his affairs are not being harmoniously adjusted; and that he is not gaining the understanding he feels others are gaining. But God's perfect law is constantly operating for all; and we are recompensed in the exact proportion to what we are giving. When we are conforming our lives to the requirements of this law by right thinking and right acting, we are enabled to see its operation manifested in our experience. If we are receiving but little, it then behooves us to examine ourselves to see what we are giving. Are we daily expressing love and kindness to those around us? Are we joyously accepting, when asked to serve in the church or the Sunday school? Are we faithfully attending the services and helping to maintain their activity by expressing gratitude when the opportunity is given? If we are not doing these things, it is easy to see why we are not receiving.
All good is always present; but it is only the receptive thought which is able to discern and utilize it. The giver is learning how to receive. If, however, we have been faithful, and are taking advantage of every opportunity for doing good that is presented to us, and still our reward seems delayed, let us remember the parable of the talents and ever press faithfully on. The reward for humble consecration is sure, if we but remain constant in our right efforts. It may be there is some work not yet finished, some precious lesson yet to learn, or some experience which means greater purification. The reward which is gained through patience was clearly seen many centuries ago by Paul, when he wrote, "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
