How often do men feel that they would be much happier, much more contented, were they able to bring out harmony in their lives and thereby have the satisfaction of feeling that they were really of some practical use in making this world a better place to dwell in! These sentiments are an encouraging sign, even though the individual giving utterance to such statements may feel a sense of discouragement because of the lack of understanding which, he believes, makes it difficult for him to take a constructive part in world affairs. When, however, a person grasps the basic fact that he can express some right idea, that moment he has taken one step along the road of progress; he has entered upon the way which leads to liberty, dominion, and happiness in their full spiritual import.

Truth reveals itself in various ways, and the human thought which has been able to see and acknowledge its need of something higher, something more substantial than man-made doctrines, is surely being prepared for deliverance from the self-imposed material beliefs which have hitherto held humanity in bondage. It is this attitude of thought which is receptive to the wonderful teachings of Christian Science.

Many to-day have commenced to realize the truth that the real man is God's idea; and it is no exaggeration to say that the degree of happiness experienced by them is strictly in proportion to the efforts they put forth to conform their lives to the Master's command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." That they have been able, in some degree, to realize the true nature of perfection, and consequently to put their understanding to practical use for the benefit of themselves and of mankind as a whole, is due to the unceasing and loving labors of Mary Baker Eddy, who rediscovered the glorious laws of Truth, which had ever been available and which can be applied by all who are striving to be pure of heart. It is by closely studying the lives of the prophets, of Jesus, of the apostles, and of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, that we catch glimpses of what is expressed by the real man. Those glimpses will expand into clearer vision as we awake to the ideal of spiritual perfection. To enter into communion with God we must become Godlike, give expression to the spiritual qualities which express His goodness, love, intelligence.

Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 183), "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength." True expression means obedience to Spirit, the constant desire and effort to act up to our highest understanding of Truth. Mortals complain of slow progress; but is not this condition manifest because they are dividing their time between God and mammon? Are they not vainly trying to serve two masters? It is obvious that if we devote all our attention to the joyful task of expressing good, evil beliefs will diminish until they finally disappear altogether from our lives.

One subtle plea of error would induce the individual to believe that it is his present situation which prevents him from accomplishing better results. If he does not see any immediate prospect of changing his situation, he may accept the thought of defeat and fail to rise above the circumstance. A harmonious situation is always the inheritance and the legitimate right of God's children; but we must learn to make full use of our present opportunities. Improved conditions in our experience bring with them more responsibility, and call for increased understanding. Before we can go up higher on the ladder of life we must utilize the courage and faith within us to lift us on to the next step. It is for this very reason that one who is sincerely trying to "put off the old man with his deeds" will never blame existing conditions. Rather will he battle with his difficulties, sure in the conviction that as a result of his overcoming he will become stronger and purer.

David went forth to battle against the physical force of Goliath with the calm assurance that "with God all things are possible." He did not ask for conditions to be changed; in his own thought about the situation he reduced error to its native nothingness. He used his courage on the side of Truth, and thereby added to his understanding of the ever-presence of God, instead of wasting his time and diminishing his force by listening to the claims of error and making a reality of them.

When evil is detected, it often appears in the first instance as an insuperable difficulty, as an obstacle requiring very careful handling. Upon closer observation, however, this claim will gradually resolve itself into a lie, an illusion, a false sense of power. It is this knowledge which precedes the final stage, where the nothingness of error dawns upon the thought. As we are able to lift thought above all sense of evil, the true status of man is realized.

Why should we complain of our present situation? Just where we are, our usefulness can be expressed. It is probably our thought which has to be elevated, changed, that the outward conditions may be improved. When one realizes that man in God's likeness is superior to all forms of evil, then belief in inferior conditions as real will no longer find a place in one's thought. In order to appreciate the might of Truth we must be prepared to battle with the lie which dares to suggest that there is a power opposed to omnipotent divine Principle.

Opportunities are never lacking to give us proof of God's protecting arm. When the individual is prepared to answer God's call with the same alacrity with which in the past he has responded to error and complained about difficulties in his path, then will progress be apparent.

When making purchases, we are prepared to pay a good price for the genuine article. Likewise in our lives, in order that more spirituality may be expressed, we must be willing to give the very best value that is within us. Obstacles not overcome to-day will re-present themselves—although perhaps in another form—on the journey to-morrow. False claims cannot be merely avoided, they have to be completely overcome and cast out of thought before freedom can be properly enjoyed. By realizing in all circumstances the harmonious nature of spiritual man, we are acknowledging God's supremacy and confirming Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 380 of Science and Health, "Truth is always the victor."

The child with his blocks, the engineer drawing up his plans for the construction of a bridge across a river, the artist painting a lovely landscape, the business man, the housewife—all have ideas to express; all are useful in their present sphere of action. It is in proportion as we form "perfect models in thought" (ibid., p. 248) and try to bring them into our daily experience that we find ourselves gaining a higher understanding of divine Love and its availability to heal our human woes. The meaning of true expression dawns upon our consciousness as we are indeed willing to serve God, and God alone.