Article December 28, 1918 Issue

Singleness of Purpose

ELIZABETH A. ROSS

When mortals take their initial steps in the way of Christian Science demonstration, the first object, generally, is to get something, either for themselves or for their dear ones. To declare the truth as revealed in Christian Science and then to see this declaration of truth manifested even in a small degree in improved human conditions, seems marvelous and gladsome, and we begin to realize that we have indeed discovered the "pearl of great price,"—an entrance to all good through the declaration of the goodness and omnipotence of God and the perfection of His spiritual creation. If this were all there is to the process of Christian Science demonstration, it would be easy to persuade all men to subscribe to the teachings of a wonderful religious system by which heaven would be attained at a bound, but there are many things yet to be learned and done ere heaven is achieved.

First, we declare God to be good and omnipotent and man to be His perfect image and likeness. Right here a great spiritual demand is made upon us, and if we do not recognize it and at least begin to comply with it, our demonstration may fail and we may meet with surprise and disappointment. We declare that man is God's image and likeness, knowing that God is good and that His goodness is omnipotent. If, then, man reflects omnipotent goodness, it behooves the student of Christian Science to live up to what he has declared about man. Simply to declare the truth and then to live contrary to this declaration will not bring about desired results. Not only must a man live up to his own declaration, but he must consistently endeavor to know the truth about his fellow man, no matter what material evidence may argue to the contrary.

As we go on with our Christian Science work we make another discovery, and it is that the attainment of spiritual good calls for the giving up, to a greater or less extent, of the material sense of good. Much depends upon the relative value which we place upon things. Our progress should constantly lead to the giving up of that which materially seems good for that which is better,—which is more conducive to the universal good; and this in time will be given up for a still higher concept of good as we rise in the scale of being. There is oftentimes a willingness to give up much, and yet an unwillingness to give up some sin which may be one of the little foxes that spoil the vine, and until we are willing to make the full sacrifice demanded by Principle, the good which we desire may be delayed.

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