Maintaining One's Position

WILLIAM HALE COOMBER

As the student progresses in the understanding and demonstration of Christian Science, he perceives that he must, and can, maintain his true position. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 74) our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has made it clear that "in Christian Science there is never a retrograde step, never a return to positions outgrown." Everyone knows that the chrysalis cannot return to the caterpillar, nor the butterfly or moth to the chrysalis; neither can the flower return to the bud.

In Christian Science, one's true position is primarily a mental one, because, as Mrs. Eddy says (ibid., p. 492), "Science says: All is Mind and Mind's idea. You must fight it out on this line." And the true concept of position is obtained as a result of one's study, perception, and grasp of the spiritual truths of Christian Science. It should, therefore, be clear that as in the study of Christian Science one is ever obtaining a clearer viewpoint, so that viewpoint must be lived up to, must be practiced in daily life and experience; and good results will follow as one strives to apply one's highest understanding to the solution of one's problems.

Thus, when it is seen that Christian Science is demonstrated in right thinking and living, it will no longer be believed possible to obtain good results in any other way. Christian Science inevitably brings a change of thought about existence, and step by step many erroneous views and opinions are dropped. One who has believed in drugs as a means of healing learns that God, divine Love, is the great Healer. When this has been proved in individual experience, gradually it may be, one has outgrown his old trust in material methods of healing; and never again will he revert to remedies which he now perceives are in reality devoid of healing power, and are as reeds "shaken with the wind." Thus one proves all things point by point in Christian Science. The apostle admonished, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

As students of Christian Science, our journey from sense to Soul may seem a long one; but, as our Leader says in Science and Health (p. 254), "Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; ... walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement." If we are doing this through our highest understanding, we are continually progressing, continually advancing up the heavenly ladder, continually maintaining and strengthening our position along the way; for, as the true consciousness is gained, the "carnal mind," which, as Paul said, is "enmity against God," is put off.

In order to maintain one's position at each forward step, it is necessary to have on "the whole armour of God;" and Mrs. Eddy has made it clear how this may be done, namely, by acquiring spiritual understanding. Herein lies true protection. As a means to this end, one has but to study the Bible and our Leader's writings systematically, and to avail one's self of the means she provided in so many ways—the church services, the lectures, class instruction, all of which help one to a fuller understanding of good.

The maintaining of one's position also means that one is preparing one's self to take still higher positions mentally, and therefore outwardly. It means, too, that one is building on a sure foundation, on the Rock upon which Christ Jesus said his church should be built, and against which all the seeming storms of error would never prevail.

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Maintaining One's Position

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