Article February 23, 1924 Issue

Taking up the Cross

LUCILE ROBERTSON

Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, states in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 9), "There is a cross to be taken up before we can enjoy the fruition of our hope and faith." It is obvious, then, that to be a true follower of Christ involves bearing a cross,—assuming responsibility. Mrs. Eddy further states on page 22 of Science and Health, "Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort," thus making it plain that salvation is an individual problem.

Until the divine Principle of Christian Science becomes understood in some degree, the working out of his salvation is often contemplated with misgivings by the beginner in Christian Science. He perhaps prefers to rely upon the "vicarious effort" of some one who possesses what he calls more advanced understanding. But as the light of Truth and Love dawns upon him, and the joy of demonstrating his own understanding is experienced, these doubts are replaced with confidence and hope. He learns to know, by actual proof, that God is all-powerful and ever present.

For many months after taking up the study of Christian Science, the writer depended entirely upon a loving practitioner to solve her problems, not realizing that she was shirking a responsibility in not trying to handle at least some of them herself. While listening to the above-quoted text from Luke at a Christian Science meeting one Wednesday evening, she wondered what "take up his cross daily" meant, when viewed in the light of Christian Science. Some time afterward the answer came,—that it was to overcome all the temptations, obstacles, disappointments, and trials which daily confront one, and not meekly submit to them; that in proportion to one's faithfulness in overcoming, through the application of God's law, was he working out his salvation.

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