Article April 14, 1923 Issue

Obedience to Love

CATHERINE VERRALL

The stories of healing in the Bible have a new interest for those who are beginning, through the study of Christian Science, to understand the law underlying these cures. The healing of Naaman shows clearly the operation of divine law, and the way in which both human affection and divine Love had a place in the healing. Naaman had won a high place in the esteem of his master, the king of Syria. As a soldier, Naaman must have seen the value of obedience. But he was a leper; consequently, he was the slave, instead of the master, of the body. No doubt Naaman's wife listened gladly to the little maid who honored her Father-Mother God in the land of her captivity, and who blessed her enemies by giving them the healing message of peace and love. She could tell her master how to find the help he needed. And Naaman showed soldierly promptness by going to the king of Israel with the letter he was given.

Elisha, who reflected the watchfulness of divine Mind, heard of the strange request, and let the king know there was a prophet in Israel. So Naaman came to Elisha's home, eager for help, but unconscious that the self which seemed so important could receive no recognition from God's servant until purified of pride and vainglory. The prophet did not even come out of the secret place where he was beholding the perfection of God's man. He knew that without preparation the healing of Naaman was impossible. Accordingly, he sent a message of command, "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." The message was a test of humility; and it was received scornfully. Once more, however, Naaman's better self responded to the voice of an affectionate servant. He relented, and did as he was told. Naaman knew nothing of the law that was operating to save him. Elisha's might consisted in his humble acknowledgement of the allness of God, and his refusal to give honor where honor was not due. He showed himself a true friend by refusing to strengthen Naaman's belief in personality, with all its limitations. Elisha would not let it be thought that it was he who did the healing; his sole purpose was to prove the Principle that governed him to be divine. Obedience to God's law was imperative; and as soon as Naaman came into agreement with this law, the healing was done. Elisha saw that Naaman's belief in human authority must be replaced by obedience to the authority or law which is independent of time or place or person,—that divine law which demands the absolute surrender of self at all times under all circumstances.

Seven times to undergo the humiliation of washing in Jordan! Seven times to repeat a task which seemed so useless! Many of us can display some measure of perseverance, but to go on till the task is completed, till the lesson is learned that evil is unreal or nothing but illusion, sometimes seems well-nigh impossible. To the thought imbued with the belief that self must necessarily have some part in the healing, it seems difficult to realize that it is only as what Mrs. Eddy calls, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 242), "the adamant of error,—self-will, self-justification, and self-love,"—is dissolved away in the waters of repentance, and the allness of divine Principle is acknowledged, that man's real self comes to light and evil is seen to be unreal. How many of us outline the way in which healing is to be done,—through a change of home, of work, of friends,—instead of looking for good where alone it can be found, in a better understanding of divine Mind. Many think, like Naaman, that spiritual blessings can be paid for with money, when real payment can be made only through a life corrected and consecrated to good.

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