Article July 29, 1916 Issue

Preparation

PETER B. BIGGINS

In all departments of human activity the need of careful and thorough training is evident, and such training usually involves considerable self-denial and mental discipline. This is true regarding the practice of Christian Science, which is finding its followers in every walk and station of life. Oftentimes the student is perplexed to know what his immediate course should be, and it is sometimes asked whether it is not better to devote one's entire time to Christian Science than to engage in business pursuits. This query itself indicates that some preparatory steps are still needed.

We read in Matthew's gospel that before Jesus entered upon his three years' mission of preaching and healing, he was "led up of the spirit into the wilderness." He had been divinely led every step of the way during the previous thirty years. His preparation was fully tested, and it proved to be thorough and complete. When material sense tempted him to depend upon matter for his supply, to demonstrate the truth in order to win popular applause or for the purpose of gaining wealth and material power, error's allurement was rendered powerless by his clear perception of the imperative demands of divine Principle.

Each individual passes through experiences corresponding in some degree with those of the Master. With the dawn of a clearer understanding of Truth and the advent of increased spiritual power there may also come the temptation to use this power for selfish advancement. This suggestion may not be distinct enough to display its nefarious nature and base origin, but as the result of patient scientific work and self-examination the error will define itself and so be self-destroyed. At each step of spiritual progress we must consecrate our new-found treasures of Truth to divine Love, from whom these spiritual riches come. In this way only can we maintain our position and advance to higher understanding.

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