Article February 14, 1931 Issue

Self-Reformation

RUTH M. DUNLAP

A dictionary defines the word "reform," in part, thus: "Maker better morally; ... change for the better by alteration or reconstruction." In each individual human experience there seems to be something which needs reforming. It may be a false disposition, self-indulgent weakness, or deliberate sinfulness. Perhaps a business situation needs adjustment, or arguments of unemployment and lack of supply for daily needs present themselves for solution. Maybe a misunderstanding between us and another seems to exist. Whatever the problem, the question of reformation needs to be studied and analyzed, in order that harmonious results may be demonstrated.

Christian Science is offering to the world complete salvation from its woes, afflictions, and misunderstandings through the clear, unadulterated understanding of the word of the Bible, and particularly of the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. Because of the measure of salvation which this understanding has already produced in the lives of Christian Scientists, increasing numbers are being drawn to its teachings for deliverance. Some receive instantaneous relief from the specific problem which at the time is confronting them; others find it necessary to express more patience and perseverance, until the demonstration is completed. But sooner or later all who are seeking salvation from physical, moral, financial, social, domestic, or business problems must learn that final deliverance from evil comes as the result of one thing—deliverance within one's own thinking from the false beliefs of a selfhood apart from God.

The evil that seems to exist in any situation is measured by the extent of self-pity, resentment, self-righteousness, self-justification, fear, jealousy, hatred, and like phases of mortal sense which we entertain through permitting ourselves to be handled by these false concepts of mortal mind. Thus we learn that in order to reform any condition we must begin by analyzing and reforming our thinking, replacing the false beliefs of mortal selfhood with the spiritual ideas which are embodied in man, God's image.

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