Article March 18, 1916 Issue

"I have overcome"

GRACE SQUIRES

Every Christian Scientist needs to watch his own attitude toward his individual problems, lest his view-point become perverted and a too close focus on self exaggerate his struggle and blind him to the grand ultimate, namely, to be able to say as did the Master, "I have overcome the world." The Ponce de Leon spirit of personal quest is a far cry from the sublime selflessness of the Christ, and if we would attain the one we must forego the other.

The bitterness of discouragement that one sometimes feels is often indicative of a loss in which self figures too obtrusively, sweeping the ultimate of righteousness and spiritual understanding from his effort and vision. We place too much weight on temporal peace, and too little on the understanding of God, which is life eternal. One's spirit toward his demonstration of Christian Science is somewhat analogous to that of the woman of Samaria,—"Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw." Such a one sometimes resists the labor of drawing, and sits footsore and thirsty beside a well of deep water. This sloth of mortal sense that would escape individual effort puts a low price on salvation, yet its price proves its grandeur.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 269) we read: "Christian Science may be sold in the shambles. Many are bidding for it,—but are not willing to pay the price." Christ Jesus said, "Labor . . . for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life," and this discernment that there is a price, together with the willingness to labor for it, discounts at the start all discouragement and self-pity. In each problem one sees God's victory rather than personal discomfort, and measures his effort to that end.

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