Article January 13, 1912 Issue

CROSS-BEARING

C. F. HACKETT.

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." These words of Christ Jesus signify much to the student of Christian Science. The true meaning of the cross becomes clear in the light of its teachings. The cross which we must bear if we are to escape evil and its dire effects, and gain the pure joy and freedom of good, is the recognition of the nothingness of material selfhood and the rejection of the various forms of false belief pertaining thereto.

How is this most important work to be done? By learning the nature of our true, God-governed selfhood, and identifying ourselves with this at all times. Man governed by God is always good, healthy, joyous, and free. Does the opposite appear true? Then we may reverse this seeming by holding thought steadfastly to the true nature of man. As we daily assume this mental attitude, gladly taking up our cross, the capacity to discern between the true and the false unfolds, the rejection of evil becomes less difficult, and greater mental and physical freedom results. There can be no compromise with evil in true cross-bearing. Complete self-surrender to God, good, is the demand of Science. We must handle the whole brood of sinning serpents by denial and rejection based on the allness of divine Love. There is no excuse for even momentary indulgence of hate, fear, resentment, lust, or pride.

Cross-bearing is not necessarily difficult, for God gives all who truly seek Him the strength and skill to perform their tasks, and what we have the strength and skill to do we do easily, and if we love to do it we have joy also. Perhaps the greatest joy we have in cross-bearing which after all is only the patient and persistent correction of our thought about God, man, and the universe, is the consciousness that when this work is completed we shall wear the crown of righteousness. There is no uneasiness for the one who wears this crown. Eternal love, joy, and peace are his. The glimpses we have of this blessed state can but encourage us to strive assiduously to bear our ever lightening cross with courage and good cheer.

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