Article July 14, 1917 Issue

"Work out your own salvation"

HENRIETTA G. LAWS

Paul said, "Work out your own salvation," and he added, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Many of us are, however, trying to work out not only our own salvation but endeavoring to help some one else as well. When we begin the study of Christian Science we learn in a new way that God is good, and that He cares for us all as no human being ever can. All that is necessary is to know the truth and be willing to let God lead us. We shall then be guided to the mental plane where there is no sin, sickness, sorrow, or want of any kind.

It sometimes happens that on our journey upward we stop to question God's ability or willingness to care for us, and we hinder our progress by wondering why others seem to have an easier time in reaching happiness than we have. Their healing comes more quickly than ours, or perhaps they have less difficulty in demonstrating control over financial problems. The writer is here reminded of two travelers climbing a mountain, and both anxious to reach the summit for the sake of the grand outlook which awaits them there. They have the same guide, who assures them he will take them safely to the top,—carry them over the rugged places without harm. They start on the journey, and are making good progress, when they come to a steep and dangerous looking place. One traveler feels secure in the hands of the guide and is taken safely on his way. The other looks at the rugged path and is filled with fear; he forgets about the guide, and begins to wonder how he will ever get by this treacherous looking place.

At this point the hesitating one observes the other traveler; he wonders how he reached the higher point so quickly, and questions why the ascent is so much easier to him. All the while the guide is assuring him that he will carry him safely over, but the frightened traveler will not listen. He is unaware that his whole attention is centered upon his fellow traveler instead of upon the guide, and yet he can never ascend until he is willing to trust the latter, do as he bids him, and meanwhile rejoice that the upward journey has been easy for his companion, knowing that it is not in reality any more difficult for himself.

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