Article September 6, 1919 Issue

To Realize

MARY MEXIA FORD

TWO definitions of the verb "realize," which seem to express most clearly the scientific viewpoint are, "To comprehend completely," and, "To bring home to one's own experience." The latter especially is the "open sesame" by which we enter the kingdom of God on earth and perceive, though faintly at first, "the ability and power divinely bestowed on man" (Science and Health, p. 393). One is seldom willing to profit from another's experience, probably thinking that the fruit he gathers for himself will be of a better flavor. In the end, however, one finds that all mortal experiences are about the same. Then tired, weary, and heartsick, one turns to divine Love, and begins to see that the most valuable experience one can have is to bring home to one's own self the realization of God's goodness, and prove it conclusively in overcoming the woes and trials of mortal existence.

Suppose we should be told of great wealth unexpectedly inherited, or of rare talents unknowingly possessed; of what avail would they be, unless we were brought to realize the truth of the statements, and to use the wealth or develop the talents? Some one, for instance, realized the possibilities of arid land under irrigation, put thought into action, and lo! the once sterile sands blossomed like the rose. So it is with the treasures of Truth given to us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, which reveal and make available our inheritance to "every good gift and every perfect gift" which divine Love has always for His children. We may read of them, talk of them, think of them, and believe in them, but unless we absolutely realize their truth by incorporating them into our daily lives,—learning through a right understanding of God and His law how to put out the erroneous thought and replace it with the true, just "here a little, and there a little," striving patiently each day to prove what we have been taught—we are still echoing that centuries-old cry of inability to realize the Christ, Truth, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

Had the rich man in the parable realized the true nature of substance, no fear of exhausted supply, no thought of hoarding in bigger barns, would have been entertained; rather, the desire would have been to share with the less fortunate. So, too, with the young man of many possessions who came to Jesus inquiring about eternal life. In reply to Jesus he said that he had kept the commandments from his youth up; yet when he was told to sell all that he had and give to the poor, he went away sorrowing. Jesus perceived that his thought of substance was wholly material and must change to the realization of God, Spirit, as the only source of supply and substance. In thus acknowledging a source of good apart from God this young man was all unwittingly breaking the first and fundamental commandment.

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