Editorial January 4, 1913 Issue

SELF-DENIAL

Annie M. Knott

There are few who would question that self-denial is a Christian virtue, but not many see the importance of practising it constantly in order to be true followers of Christ Jesus. One reason for this is doubtless due to the fact that the real nature of self-denial is imperfectly understood. People have imagined that they could meet the Master's requirement simply by doing without certain things which were pleasing to them, on certain occasions; but this is clearly far from its true meaning. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke we find definite statements by Christ Jesus respecting the necessity for denying self and taking up the cross daily. In each of the gospels we have practically the same statement as to the denial of self, followed by the explanatory words, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

Now self-indulgence is the antithesis of self-denial, and it is clear from the Master's words that to indulge self means to miss or lose the true sense of life. This of course is not what mortals believe. They talk largely about getting a lot out of life, when in reality the true sense of life is slipping away from them in so far as self is indulged and its demands heeded, and this is true on every line of human endeavor. Our revered Leader says, respecting the success of the Christian Science student: "Self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life" (Science and Health, p. 462). We should never forget that every divine requirement is for our good; not that God needs anything of us, but the divine purpose is that man shall be perfect, and humanity finds that many false beliefs must be given up before perfection is realized by men. The one who lives for self has a miserably narrow sphere in which to think and act. Like a bird with fettered wing, thought constantly returns to its starting-point, nothing having been attained. On the other hand, the one who first makes sure of his own spiritual freedom may do much each day to change the destinies of all mankind, by living the truth he knows and knowing Truth's all-power, and this will of necessity involve the taking up of the cross daily.

It is not enough that we say or do a kind thing each day, though this is certainly required of us, but we must go farther and live up to ideals which are above the mortal standard, and this will always call for cross-bearing. Mortal mind caressingly whispers, "You must take good care of yourself; you must have nice clothes and make a respectable appearance even if you cannot afford to pay for either;" and the one who heeds these specious and deceptive suggestions forgets that "Principle is imperative. You cannot mock it by human will" (Science and Health, p. 329). The stern requirements of Principle are the only true foundation for character, and the self-denial for which they call ever places the spiritual fact before the material demand, and thus leads to real and permanent prosperity. What if one cannot dress as well as some other person. He can at least have self-respect for temptation overcome; and what is more, he will be helping to establish the simple honesty which is so greatly needed in human society. Every true effort at contraction on the material side implies expansion and unfoldment on the spiritual side. Every effort at self-denial means the stopping of a mental leak and the gain of that stability which obedience to Principle invariably brings, with spiritual peace and power,—the true basis of rightful self-government.

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