Article November 15, 1913 Issue

Individual Work

JOHN D. FRANCE

Mrs. Eddy says that "success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 230). Among the first problems which confront the beginner in Christian Science is that of mental work. Sometimes error appears to us with the intimation that we do not want to work, or that all work is for the regular practitioners to do. That this is error becomes evident if we remember the Scriptural admonition that we are to work out our own salvation. Paul does not leave us suspended in mid-air with this statement, but supplements it with the assurance that divine Love furthers our every effort in this direction.

When we comprehend that to think of Truth is to think of God, spiritual thought no longer seems narrowing. As we perceive that our concept of home, of humanity, and of all things is objectified in experience, just as our face is reflected in a mirror, we see the necessity of having our thought established on such a basis as to make experience harmonious, and know how impossible it is for others to do our work for us, or even to render us much assistance, unless we keep our own thought receptive by constant effort toward Christianly scientific thinking. How can Christians walk in an orderly way unless they are striving to bring every thought and act into harmony with divine Principle?

We are also tempted sometimes to believe that others are ignorantly or purposely trying to hinder us in our demonstrations; and how often, instead of dispelling this tempting thought, we offer it as a lame excuse for not expressing the truth we know full well that we should. God is conscious of His own children. Intelligence, strength activity, supply, and all good are reflected directly to each individual idea from the one source, omnipresent Mind. Principle is a present positive remedy for any form of error that we face at any time. There is an all-powerful law of God with which to conquer every form that error assumes, and there is no condition, circumstance, or combination of mortal belief that can prevent us from turning to God's law in our thoughts, for thought is something which matter has never been able to imprison.

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