Article November 29, 1924 Issue

Self-Denial

ISABEL A. RUSSUM

Our Master said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." What is it to deny one's self? For many years the writer thought it meant merely the denial of worldly pleasures and ambitions, of indulgence in appetites, as well as the overcoming of all thoughts of anger, revenge, hatred, and such like.

In this same limited way has the world interpreted Christ Jesus' prayer, "Thy will be done," taking it for granted that God's will rarely meant anything but trials, suffering, and loss, a constant giving up of all that made life joyous. It is small wonder that the young have often not taken religion seriously, for too frequently it has been associated with sad or gloomy faces, and dull, spiritless lives. What God's will really is, and what it means to deny one's self and follow the Master, should come to us as a glorious revelation, filling us with joy unspeakable, and a deep sense of gratitude. Christian Science proves itself to be the Comforter, for it shows that the doing of God's will brings harmony, peace, and spiritual joy; that it means health not sickness, happiness not gloom.

But our Master also plainly spoke of a cross; and Mrs. Eddy many times speaks of the Christian's warfare. She says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 29): "Christians must take up arms against error at home and abroad. They must grapple with sin in themselves and in others, and continue this warfare until they have finished their course." But she also shows us that this does not mean that we should look upon this warfare with shrinking and dread, as if it were something antagonistic to joy and happiness; for in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 118) she says, "Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand;" and she adds that "obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory." There is no grudging complaint or rebellion here against the daily cross that must be borne by all of Christ's followers, but only a reference to high courage and firm trust in the ultimate victory over sense and self. Few have experienced more deeply than our beloved Leader the world's bitter antagonism to those who teach and practice the truth about the omnipotence of Truth, and who deny materiality in all its varied forms; but she never faltered in her steadfast purpose to carry out her God-appointed mission.

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