Article July 15, 1922 Issue

Gratitude

BETHEL GILLIAM

The truth as revealed through Christian Science enables the student, step by step, to separate between material sense and spiritual sense; and for this workable, demonstrable Science we are exceedingly grateful. Dwelling in a false sense of what constitutes real happiness, we are apt to consider as desirable and good that which has the very opposite effect in our lives, and which eventually leads to sin and discord. Through an ever increasing understanding of Truth we are able to detect and forestall the suggestions that tend to mislead, thereby escaping the necessity of learning our lessons through bitter experience.

We learn by degrees that the material world has nothing to give us; and, in reality, since all good comes from God, and God alone, there is nothing that it can take away. There is no joy in clinging to earth. Real joy comes with wings spread for heaven. Like the prodigal son, we have only to arise and go to the Father to find manifold spiritual blessings awaiting us. The way is straight and narrow at first; but, as spiritual growth increases, a world full of marvelous beauty and infinite possibilities for good begins to dawn upon our vision.

Physical healing, unaccompanied by spiritual regeneration, does not leave one in a very much better condition. Such an individual still believes that matter is the primary cause of physical discord; and sin is not understood. He has still to learn what Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 219), that "mortal mind makes sick, and immortal Mind makes well." The only difference between a belief in health and a belief in sickness is that the former may sometimes be a better belief than the latter; but a belief in health, without understanding, is liable to encounter difficulties. We are grateful for the improved health and increased harmony which Christian Science brings into our lives; but, after all, the deepest and most profound gratitude is for the spiritual regeneration that is going on hourly. Who can love sin when once the mask is taken off and he sees it as it really is? When this vision comes in a single instance the heart cries out: "O God, help me onward and upward! I do not really love sin; I have been blind, but now I see. 'As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.' 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills.' 'I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.'"

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