Article May 7, 1921 Issue

Depending on God

LELA M. DARLINGTON

TO become conscious of that peace and joy which is the rightful possession of all mankind, we must realize that we are dependent upon God alone. For the Christian Scientist who, each day and many times a day, is declaring mentally or audibly, "All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all" (Science and Health, p. 468), the realization of his utter dependence upon God, Mind, would seem to follow as a matter of course; but the suppositional, material opposite of this one and only Mind has for so long been mistaken for reality that it takes earnest and persistent effort to overcome the habit of expecting to receive good from a material source.

Man, who is forever dependent on Spirit for health, happiness, and immortality, is seemingly counterfeited in so-called material man who is always looking to some material circumstances to improve his condition. Depending upon matter for health, a man can feel little security; for does not matter claim to give disease and death as well as health and life? Even when, through the study of Christian Science, thought has begun to turn to Mind for health, previous material health laws relating to food, air, exercise, and so on, may linger in human thought to prevent the realization of that perfect health which comes from dependence upon Spirit alone. It is well to remember that it is always error, not Truth, that tells a man he is dependent upon something besides Spirit for harmonious existence. God is not the author of material law and man is not in bondage to it. Man exists under the changeless law of Mind. We must know our way out of a false sense of law; and whatever can be done to-day had best be done to-day. There is no more convenient season. It is manifestly impossible to live beyond one's understanding; but Christian Science demands that we prove understanding as rapidly as possible and live up to it. Says Paul, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

The student of Christian Science should find it no more difficult to rely on God for his supply than for his health. His desire for enough is a righteous one. Failure to understand Jesus' teaching on this subject is doubtless responsible for a more or less general impression that a Christian should be satisfied with little. A world whose substance is matter reads the advice of the Master to the rich young man, "Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor," and goes on its way, sorrowing; but awakening spiritual thought grasps the vital import of the accompanying promise, "Thou shalt have treasure in heaven," and follows the spiritual idea with rejoicing. Jesus' life was devoted to showing mankind this treasure in heaven, this practical understanding of ever present Life, Truth, and Love, which healed the sick, raised the dead, stilled the tempest, and replaced lack with abundance. Is it possible to have this treasure and lack any good thing?

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