Article June 22, 1929 Issue

Obedience

CHARLES P. ROUSE

In Romans we read, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" When viewed from the standpoint of socalled mortal mind, obedience has at times appeared to be difficult, because it has frequently seemed to require a form of enslavement to the will and desires of others. And many have resented the seeming limitations and requirements of obedience, especially when compelled to submit to the government of laws and beliefs not in keeping with their own views.

In the light of Christian Science, however, one soon gains the true understanding of obedience, and experiences an increasing desire to be obedient. One also learns from the study of Christian Science that according to one's obedience to Truth one is enabled to progress in the understanding of Truth. The reason for this change of thought becomes apparent as one recognizes that if faithful to the teaching of Christian Science he is obedient to God, divine Principle, who, he finds, is not a taskmaster enslaving and burdening His children, but an ever present help; and one also learns that according to his loving obedience to divine Principle he demonstrates true protection. It is, therefore, a reasonable and logical deduction that according to the measure of one's obedience to Truth is one protected from error. James says, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Surely, one could not require more precise instruction to be obedient; but, in plain and definite language, our Saviour leaves no room for doubt in his command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

In the Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy has written, under the caption "Alertness to Duty" (p. 42), "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion." Those who have studied our Leader's writings well know that she did not waste words; and the importance of being obedient to this admonition is clearly understood by alert students of Christian Science, who are constantly receiving new proofs of our Leader's wisdom in making this a necessary duty for every member of The Mother Church. A careful reading of the above quotation reveals the fact that this duty is not a question of choice with members of The Mother Church, but an imperative duty. They know also that strict Obedience to this rule is requisite if they expect to receive the blessings which obedience brings.

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