Article July 6, 2012

The Olympian example—and healing

Sharon F. Cook

The Olympic athlete learns as much about his sport as he can and then practices, practices, practices. The Olympian practices when he or she is tired and practices when he or she does not want to practice. He practices when things are not going well and when things are going great. She falls and gets up and practices the same maneuver again and again until she gets it right. He knows that devotion to the effort will bring success. She rebels against discouragement and practices even more diligently when she feels disheartened. Often we have heard the inspirational story of the athlete who conquers great adversity and obtains a personal-best time or a medal.

This same persistence and devotion can also be demonstrated by us in our daily practice of Christian Science. In speaking of healing, Mary Baker Eddy emphasizes the importance of persistence and the necessity of abiding by the rules of divine Science. She writes: “Whoever would demonstrate the healing of Christian Science must abide strictly by its rules, heed every statement, and advance from the rudiments laid down. There is nothing difficult nor toilsome in this task, when the way is pointed out; but self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 462). 

Persistence and devotion can also be demonstrated by us in our daily practice
of Christian Science.