Editorial July 18, 1908 Issue

THE TRUTH MADE PRACTICAL

Annie M. Knott

ALL who come into Christian Science discover in a short time that its teachings not only may be but must be applied to every problem of our human experience, if we would make real progress. In other words, they learn that nothing real is outside of the kingdom of God, and nothing so insignificant as to have no relation to the demands of Principle, or be beneath the protection of divine law. The recognition of this truth greatly enlarges the sphere of one's activities and furnishes hitherto unseen opportunities for being and doing good. The only thing that can seem to hinder one's progress in Science is the narrowing influence of selfishness,—the old tendency to "get" rather than to be, or to give out blessings to others. Our revered Leader says (Science and Health, p. 263), "When mortal man blends his thoughts of existence with the spiritual and works only as God works, he will no longer grope in the dark and cling to earth because he has not tasted heaven."

These words really contain the whole secret of true progress. If we were to begin each day with the firm determination to work for the establishment of God's kingdom, and to work "only as God works," we should accomplish wonders every day and lay sure foundations for becoming "rich toward God." Jesus was concerned only with what he called "my Father's business," and we have but to read the Gospels to see how his time was employed. Much of it was spent in communion with the Father, and thus he knew what Paul calls "the mind of the Spirit," and could work effectively in the healing of all human discords, whether sin or disease.

When we get rid of all selfish motives a thousand opportunities for usefulness in the realm of Mind will appear for the one opportunity of narrower vision. A beginner in Christian Science once tried this,—consecrated himself for a day's service of Truth,—although he was then in the business world. On his way to work he met a friend who was sorrowing over the seemingly hopeless illness of a relative. Inspired by his new desire to work for Truth in a practical and effective way, the Scientist told his friend of Christian Science, and this led to the healing of the afflicted one. Besides a day of faithful service to his employers, opportunity was found by the Scientist to tell over a dozen persons of what Truth can do for any and all who may seem to suffer "in mind, body, or estate." Here it may be remarked that a faithful and practical effort constantly to demonstrate one's understanding of Christian Science invariably takes one higher, even in the business world, and also gives greater opportunity for the more direct ministry of Truth,—the healing of the sick, the sinful, and the sorrowful.

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