Article January 22, 1927 Issue

Intentions and Advancement

ANNA E. HERZOG

Probably every Christian Scientist has at some time been tempted to believe that some person or persons, some circustance or condition, had the power to hinder his progress. But on page 326 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says: "The purpose and motive to live aright can be gained now. This point won, you have started as you should;" and she adds, "And nothing but wrong intention can hinder your advancement." She does not say that sickness can hinder our advancement. As a matter of fact, scientific progress will hinder and finally halt every belief of sickness. She does not say that uncongenial surroundings, someone else's lack of interest in Christian Science, a misunderstanding in our home, jealousy, envy, hatred,—if extraneous to our own thinking,—have any power to hinder our advancement.

The statement, "Nothing but wrong intention can hinder your advancement," puts our progress squarely up to us. If we are not advancing, we can blame no one but ourselves: our intentions, our thoughts, must be wrong somewhere. Are they lacking in energy, consecration, strength? Are they clouded by animosity or resentment, by laziness, regret, or dishonesty? Is our purpose and motive truly Christlike? Do we really intend to get rid of this mortal belief that calls itself ourself, daily to think less of its wishes and claims, and to turn more resolutely from materiality to spirituality?

Always before we begin our day's work, let us think over our intentions. First, do we, as Christian Scientists, mean to obey the Manual by doing the daily protective work it demands? Then do we intend to rejoice, to thank God, to express Love, to make the world better for our part in it? Do we mean to be happy, to magnify good, to trust God, and to manifest His health, dominion, and wisdom? Is it our purpose to know only Spirit as real, and matter as unreal, to be peaceful, joyful, and powerful? Are there lurking any wants or intentions the opposite of these? If not, then there are no wrong ones to hinder our advancement—and nothing else can!

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