Article October 22, 1910 Issue

THE VICTOR'S WAY

ELIZABETH EARL JONES.

THE consciousness of power through reliance on Truth and Love, and the joy of victory,—these are the natural accompaniments and outgrowth of foundational work, of a consecutive line of right thought and action, rather than the immediate offspring of an event. Hence all Christian Scientists should work not for results and achievements, but for purification and spiritualization of thought and desire.

There can be no real or lasting defeat to an honest, loving heart, for the defeat of the human is the victory of the divine, and vice versa. The overcoming of false beliefs, fear, sensitiveness, self, etc., and the larger growth in meekness, patience, charity, generosity, joy, and love, are the mile-posts that mark the victor's way. Righteousness and joy are inseparable qualities. The sense of hardship and the smoke of conflict linger not long with the victor over self, the one who has drunk deep of his Master's cup. In her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 288) our beloved Leader tells us, "The selfish role of a martyr is the shift of a dishonest mind, nothing short of self-seeking; and real suffering would stop the farce."

The ability to "rejoice always" comes of understanding that good is the only power. Because evil is powerless to produce suffering, it is likewise incapable of causing pleasure. No career that has not demonstrated this fact in Science can truthfully be termed successful. Are we working for dominion over evil suggestions and over self, or are we working for self-advancement and worldly achievement? The answer to this question will determine our courage and endurance and our ability or disability to rise above criticism, seeming defeats, and outward stress.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

THE VICTOR'S WAY

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access