Article April 29, 1922 Issue

Doing, Not Trying to Do

MARTHA ADELAIDE HOLTON

Years ago, while superintending public schools, a valuable lesson was learned, which has been most helpful in gaining a practical understanding of Christian Science. In closely observing school work it was often discovered that in order to secure satisfactory results the method of teaching reading, or some other subject, needed to be improved. At a convenient time the teacher was kindly shown the defects and how to remedy them. After clear explanation and discussion she would be asked, "What are you going to do about the reading?" and invariably would come the reply, "I am going to try to do it that way." She was then told that trying was not enough; that to try to do a thing leaves the door open to possible failure, and that more than trying was necessary. Again, the question was asked, "What are you going to do about the reading?" Then came the reply, "I am going to do it." After this would come the offer of assistance, and assurance that success was inevitable under the condition of right doing, instead of trying to do. Nine times out of ten the battle was won that very moment; and the struggling, discouraged teacher returned to her work uplifted and expectant of victory.

It is the doing that counts at all times and in all cases. Talking about doing, and wishing for the results of doing without zealous striving, is idle folly. It is the argument of the serpent of defeat, and should be quickly recognized as the subtle effort of evil to obstruct, delay, and limit growth. We often hear such remarks as, "I tried to deny the error, but the pain was so severe I couldn't help believing it was real." That work was defeated before it was begun. To deny a false belief with the expectancy of deliverance and the understanding of its nothingness is doing,—not trying to do.

Nowhere in the Bible are we told to try to do something. We are told to rejoice, not to try to rejoice; to sing, not to try to sing; to run and not be weary; to listen; to love our enemies; to preach the gospel and heal the sick—but no mention of trying is made. To perform the work is our business,—without discouragement, self-pity, or asking why. To solve our problems, not simply to try to solve them, is being obedient to the divine command, "Work out your own salvation." God created all. Noah went into the ark, David slew the Philistine, and Jesus raised the dead, through doing—not through trying to do.

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