Article June 12, 1915 Issue

Right Standards

ALFRED F. GOODMAN

In Science and Health (p. 569) Mrs. Eddy says, "Every mortal at some period, here or hereafter, must grapple with and overcome the mortal belief in a power opposed to God." We are also told in our text-book that progress in Christian Science is a constant warfare with the flesh. This warfare is a mental one, and by its means we are enabled to rise above the testimony of the physical senses. To those living in a material world, so called, surrounded by manifestations of what seems to be the absence of God, those without a working knowledge of God as divine Principle, or any proper realization of how to get that understanding, or who are not willing to give up what they have for something better, obedience to the Scripture command that we "pray without ceasing" seems next to impossible. It certainly is not possible so long as we are unwilling to give up the old for the new; but as soon as the willingness to do this comes, the way out of the difficulty presents itself. This way is one of warfare with the flesh, the destruction of the belief in the flesh or mortality, and the first step in this direction is taken when we learn to think correctly.

We know that everything must be subject to a standard of values or measurement. Silver and gold have a certain standard of weight and fineness; different kinds of cloths have a standard of quality up to which they must measure; food must be up to a certain standard of purity to be sold upon the market. We realize that all of these things must be so in order that conditions be proper and right, but we do not all see the necessity for a standard of right thinking. Christian Science is, however, very plain on this point. It says that we must think right, must keep our mentality clear and pure, else we cannot demonstrate its rules. The Principle of Christian Science makes this demand, for pure and correct views regarding God and man are absolutely necessary to its demonstration; consequently, we must realize the necessity for a standard of right thinking, and must make every thought that enters our consciousness measure up to it. Any thought which cannot stand the test must be rejected.

He who strives along this line must note what suggestions are finding entrance to his thought. He must be very careful regarding the thoughts which he thinks about himself and others. He must stop long enough to make sure that he is hospitable to divine ideas alone, and that whatever he thinks regarding his fellows is in keeping with the truth that man is the reflection of God. A Christian Scientist should not allow any thought which does not measure up to this standard of Truth, to abide for one moment in his consciousness. The most simple and satisfactory, as well as the only safe plan, is never to give entrance to recognized errors, but as St. Paul says, bring "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

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