Article August 16, 1930 Issue

Rise Up

JOHN CHARLES W. BIRD

IN many of the recorded instances of healing performed by Jesus, something more than mere acquiescence was demanded of those healed. A courageous response was called for. Jesus said to the man with a withered hand, "Stretch forth thine hand." If this man had been afraid to obey, would he have been healed? But "he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." To the man who had suffered an infirmity thirty-eight years, and was lying by the pool of Bethesda, Jesus said, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." This man certainly needed courage and willing obedience even to make the effort to rise up and walk. Moreover, he obeyed Jesus' command to use his freedom in a practical manner by carrying his own bed, or mat. To Matthew, sitting at the seat of customs in the employ of the Romans, the command was given, "Follow me." And who will say that for his courageous obedience, even to the extent of immediately abandoning his apparent means of livelihood and following the Master, Matthew's reward was not great?

Christian Science, which has restored the lost elements of the religion Jesus taught and practiced, and which, as its name indicates, is the demonstrable truth of Christianity, makes demands similar to those made by Jesus. When a so-called sinful or sick person comes to Christian Science for healing, something more than mere acquiescence is required of him. Perhaps the very first thing required of the seeker is obedience—willing and active, not reluctant and passive. He is advised to study the Scriptures and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. He is counseled in conformity with the teachings of this book (p. 419) to "think less of material conditions and more of spiritual." He is told to turn his thoughts away from matter and its claims, to God, the ever present Mind, and not to be afraid. Above all, his thoughts are directed toward divine Love. If he is ready to accept the teachings of Christian Science, that is, if his thoughts are honest, and if he is genuinely seeking understanding and healing, he will be obedient to these counselings. The student begins immediately to apply what he learns, to demonstrate his understanding. Belief in evil in all its forms begins to lose its hold on his thinking. He stops fearing it as he learns that God is in deed and truth "a very present help in trouble."

To realize lasting freedom from the claims of evil and to gain the ability to prevent disease and trouble from entering one's experience, it is needful to acquire and understanding of the truth about God and man, which Christian Science teaches. On page 39 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says, "To avoid being subject to disease, would require the understanding of how you are healed."

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