Article January 14, 1928 Issue

Overcoming Self

MARY ARLIE MAC FARLAND

In Revelation we read, "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." From this it may be seen that full realization of sonship with the Father is to be attained only by the overcoming of self. We need not seek a particular place or a special time in which to begin this work of overcoming self: the place to begin is in one's own consciousness, and the time is now. "Now," said Paul to the Corinthians, "is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

One student had not gone far in the study of Christian Science before she found that much of her unhappiness and physical suffering was the result of an ungoverned temper, and sought earnestly to overcome this evil tendency. One evening at dinner a member of her household carelessly spilled a glass of water over a gown which she was wearing for the first time. As she was about to open her lips to give vent to the unlovely thoughts which flamed up, the "still small voice" whispered, Now is the time to begin the exercise of self-control. The harsh words were not spoken, and the family were surprised at her silence and restraint. From that moment of victory over self, the student's real growth in Christian Science began; and as her understanding of God increased, she was able to reflect the healing power of Christian Science in her own household. Through these healings her family, who had before made light of Christian Science, came to have great respect for what it teaches, and two members became earnest students of the Bible and the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

Since the overcoming of self is plainly the great work of all humanity, the thing needed to gain the kingdom of heaven, the student of Christian Science should not feel discouraged if, at times, he falls short of the high goal for which he is striving; rather should he be grateful at such times for the victories over self already won, and find comfort and assurance in this Scriptural passage: "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."

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January 14, 1928
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