Editorial December 25, 1937 Issue

"Can you take care of yourself?"

Violet Ker Seymer

Individual demonstration is the keynote of progress in Christian Science. In fact, there cannot be any marked or sustained progress without continuous individual demonstration of the power of God and the truth of Christian Science. Each proof of our own unfolding spiritual understanding stabilizes our sense of oneness with God and multiplies our confidence.

Christ Jesus said to his disciples, whom he had carefully taught, and before whom he had fully demonstrated the healing power of God, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you." Why was it "expedient" for the disciples that their beloved Master should leave them? Perhaps because he realized their need to turn directly to God through Christ, as he did. His further saying is recorded in the sixteenth chapter of John, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." The disciples, and doubtless also the early Christian workers, developed their faith and understanding by utilizing them to the full.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 39) we find this question and answer: "Can you take care of yourself? God giveth to every one this puissance; and I have faith in His promise, 'Lo, I am with you alway'—all the way." This eloquent reply brings confidence to one who loyally accepts it and sets to work to demonstrate his own understanding of divine Principle.