Article March 15, 1919 Issue

Obstacles Overcome

KATHRINE JONES

Let us consider some of the steps to be taken before we can advance very far in the understanding of Christian Science. We have experienced the overcoming of discord and disease, and now we long for a deeper understanding of spiritual truths, so that we may lead others to the heavenly light. What is it that keeps us from gaining this understanding? Why do we not progress more rapidly in the demonstration of the truth? As we grow in the power of honest self-analysis we find that the chief thing that keeps us from advancing is the fact that we do not really want to do so.

If with our whole heart we want to know God, if desire to understand better His law is. the motive of our lives, if we can say with Paul, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord," then nothing on earth can prevent our steady progress in the understanding of Christian Science. But advance satisfactorily we cannot, if while seeking Truth we still cling tenaciously to material desires, hidden in some obscure corner of thought. "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty," writes Mrs. Eddy on page 183 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

This all-absorbing yearning for holiness is not, however, born in day; nor need we be discoraged that it is not. If we tenderly cherish the newborn aspiration for good, if we cultivate it and protect it and love it, it will grow. At times when the carnal mind talks very loudly to us, all we can do is to pray to God to give us right desires, and this prayer, if honest, is always answered. The inclination for the things of Spirit may seem very frail at first, but if it is diligently and earnestly nourished, we shall find that it becomes a strong influence in our lives; we shall find ourselves breathing the prayer, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

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