Article March 28, 1925 Issue

Trying Too Hard

MAUDE MILLER JOHNSTON

Many times, in human experience, failure may be traced to the fact that the individual has been trying too hard in a mistaken way. Mortals have a very imperfect sense of the wisdom and power of God. They become so engrossed in their own personal problems that they are often almost consumed with anxiety and fear. Relying only upon themselves, and feeling acutely their deficiency, they find themselves anxiously straining after results. Oftentimes an undertaking is begun in uncertainty; and then it is almost certain to result in failure. The conviction of helplessness has been so universal that men have continually bowed down to what they considered the inevitableness of failure.

The lesson which must be learned is that there is, as Christian Science teaches, but one power, one intelligence, one Mind, and that, in consequence, success is in no degree dependent on self-assertion or aggressiveness. Paul says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." Through obedience Paul learned the lesson of humility; and having learned, he has given us many examples of self-abnegation. Paul gloried in his infirmities and rejoiced in his wonderful revelations; by overcoming difficulties he showed the mighty power of God. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, reveals the true nature of man when she says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 470), "Man is the expression of God's being. If there ever was a moment when man did not express the divine perfection, then there was a moment when man did not express God, and consequently a time when Deity was unexpressed—that is, without entity."

When a mortal yields to divine guidance, he soon learns that all power belongs to God, and that God supplies His children with all good. As one turns humbly to God for guidance, the way grows brighter before him. Divine Mind guides at all times if the "still small voice" be but listened to and obeyed. Mind is never sluggish nor stagnant; it can ever be depended upon for instant guidance. By gaining an understanding of God's law of spiritual control, and of complete obedience to this law, we are guided; for, as Christian Science teaches, all real existence is under divine law and is controlled by divine law.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Trying Too Hard

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access