Citizenship with God

To be a true citizen of one's country is creditable, but it is not enough. God requires the whole heart, and it is only as one becomes quickened by the Christ, the universal action of divine Principle, that true citizenship is gained. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, was a great exemplar of true citizenship. She gave us a vision of the city of Zion, and through her work enables the student to attain and retain this vision which rouses him out of a self-righteous belief of citizenship into improved conditions; thus the march goes on, until we behold the real city of our God. Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 147): "The upright man is guided by a fixed Principle, which destines him to do nothing but what is honorable, and to abhor whatever is base or unworthy; hence we find him ever the same,—at all times the trusty friend, the affectionate relative, the conscientious man of business, the pious worker, the public-spirited citizen. He assumes no borrowed appearance. He seeks no mask to cover him, for he acts no studied part; but he is indeed what he appears to be,—full of truth, candor, and humanity."

We may pride ourselves in being considered good community workers, good townspeople, splendid patriots, and our fellow neighbors may regard us as all-around, respected citizens. In all human earnestness we believe the growth of grace we so much desire has come upon us! We therefore continue to build a fortification in our vain imaginings to be praised of men, but unless the deep-seated conviction of humility and goodness, bringing with it a childlike trust in God, has been experienced, we are building upon sand. Mortal mind loves the flattery of itself, "I am a good man." Jesus said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" But mortal mind, being guided by nothing but its own ignorance, cannot heed the warning and, in its haste to finish its man of clay, neglects the strong foundation; so when the winds of its own creating blow and beat, the structure falls. Then mortal man is heard to cry, "Save, or I perish." When the human mind is sufficiently emptied of false beliefs, it is ready to turn to the ever present divine Mind which saves it from itself by taking away all of its supposed sovereignty; a new man steps forth, ready for his work in this true citizenship, a worker sufficiently humble to begin his work.

The student of Christian Science to-day is living in a wonderful period of the world's history. Old barriers that seemed so real are being swept away before his gaze and the stubborn resistance to the progressive march onward of purification is giving way through the realization of the truth that is based on Principle. The student who is earnest is no longer depending upon a so-called older worker, knowing that all are equally privileged to turn to the one Mind. Personality in its false sense is being obliterated and the voice of error is no longer so persistent in its cry, "My mother, my father, my brother, my sister, my friend, my teacher, my practitioner." And though we are privileged at any time to fulfill the Scriptural command, "Bear ye one another's burdens," it is right only in the sense that it brings each a greater reliance on God where human reliance is lost sight of.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Helping Others
January 8, 1921
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit