Editorial November 11, 1933 Issue

Spiritual Conviction

Duncan Sinclair

When Paul wrote, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage," he was appealing to the Galatians on the basis of faithfulness to their spiritual convictions. The gospel of Christ Jesus, in the measure of their understanding of it, had freed them; surely, therefore, they would remain loyal to the truth which that gospel revealed, and not again allow themselves to fall under bondage to error. The apostle was well aware of the value of conviction begotten of spiritual understanding and experience; and it was to it he addressed himself when writing "unto the churches of Galatia."

Conviction of thought is indispensable in all the affairs of life. We know from experience how valuable an instrument is the multiplication table; but who would use it for the purposes of computation were he not convinced of its reliability? And it is to gain this conviction that the child is thoroughly drilled in its use. It is similar with the moral law. Experience must teach its value, must show individuals that knowledge of it and obedience to it always produce good results, always make for harmony and well-being. As they become convinced of this, they learn to respect the moral law and to render ready obedience to it.

It is in no way different when spiritual truth is considered: conviction of its reality, its stability, its unchangeableness, its power, is necessary in order that the individual may apply it unhesitatingly in the overcoming of evil or error. To begin with, Christian Science reveals to him the great facts of spiritual being. It shows him that God is infinite and perfect Truth, Spirit, Mind, and that only that which is spiritual and perfect is real. It enables him to perceive, in the light of the allness of God, good, that matter and evil are unreal. And thus equipped he understands how the arguments of material sense are to be refuted, and sin, disease, and death overcome. But to be able to meet and overthrow the arguments of materiality he must be thoroughly convinced of spiritual truth. Otherwise, his efforts will be half-hearted and proportionately unavailing.

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