Article March 11, 1922 Issue

Our Present Sense of Good

LOUIS J. DU BOIS

Sometimes we are led to believe that because our place in the affairs of life does not seem to measure up to our understanding of Christian Science, we must, therefore, give it up and look for something else which more nearly embodies our ideals. The belief seems to be that somewhere in this material world we can find the perfect thing which we so earnestly long for. Perfection, however, is spiritual and belongs to the realm of divine Mind. It is attainable through spiritual growth and our capacity to understand God and discern Him as ever present. It is our first duty to recognize the good in our present environment, and earnestly to apply our understanding of the Principle of good to the eradication of those aspects in our position which do not reflect good. We are not justified in leaving a position, because we encounter personalities whom we do not like, or because some sense of wrong or injustice may appear to exist. Instead of hasty action at such times, let us stop and examine them in the light of Truth, remembering that, as Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 288), "wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute."

The difficulties in our problem may be hard to endure; but let us remember that by scientific consideration of them we may win understanding, experience, faith, hope, reward. The question is often asked, "How can I gain an understanding of Principle?" and one answer is, "Apply what you already understand of it to the difficult phases of the present situation." To run away from trials is to fail to gain the lesson and growth that is there for us if we stand and master the seeming difficulties. If we do not meet these problems as they arise, it may be necessary for us to return to them at some later time. Again, if we leave the present task to commence at some other point, how do we know that we shall not presently run into the same difficulties? Is there not something that needs correcting in our own thought, which is always encountering difficult personalities or unbearable situations?

The writer recalls a man who had acquired a considerable understanding of Christian Science in a comparatively brief space of time. His business presented a big problem, for he felt it was inconsistent with the teachings of Christian Science. He was radical enough to want to give it up at once, although he had nothing else in prospect. In talking the matter over with a more experienced Christian Scientist, he learned that there was some sense of good even in his present business, and until such time as he should hear the voice of Truth leading him elsewhere he could best improve the time by making that business better. He adopted this, course, improving himself and his business through the application of Christian Science, and ultimately he was shown the way to better things. In thus preserving his present sense of good and improving it, he was able to advance in demonstration still further.

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