Contests may be said to begin in human experience as soon as a child becomes consciously active, for as he learns to reach farther for a toy or to take a longer step than before, in that degree he has bettered his previous performance. A contest does not necessarily imply competition with others. It deals with existing records and the intent to bring out a more advanced expression in any particular line of endeavor. There are many types of contests to engage our interest—in education, athletics, politics, art, research, or invention—but the same lessons may be applied in each case.

A lesson unfolds as we learn to examine our motives regarding the activity before us. Questions like these may present themselves: Why do I long to accomplish this feat? or, Why does the gaining of this special thing seem so important? Searching inquiries such as these often uncover surprising things in our thinking. Of course, everyone desires to be successful in his undertakings, but not all have the right sense of ambition. If we interpret ambition as a worthy eagerness to accomplish something good and, therefore, truly great, such an incentive would certainly never be selfish, for good blesses all. Indeed, ambition of this sort is both proper and legitimate, for it is the response in human consciousness to the divine demand for perfection, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

The original meaning of the verb "contest" was to be a witness. If our primary aim, therefore, in any line of endeavor, is to bear witness, that is, to express more clearly than ever before the infinitely good qualities of the divine Mind, our motive is really to glorify God. As sunlight streams through a clean windowpane, so through a motive like this the light of inspiration may readily shine into our consciousness.

The common belief that intellignce springs from the brain, and that strength lies in muscles, no student of Christian Science would accept; for he has learned that life and intelligence are spiritual. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 587) Mary Baker Eddy tells us that God is "the great I AM; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence."

It is not the physical body, therefore, that deserves credit for ability, or for strength upon which one can rely. Aid is always close at hand, for God, Mind, is filling all space with His ever active, ever operative power, intelligence, perfection, and beauty. Man, His reflection, shows forth or images this true state of being. Here, then, is our first lesson; and, having learned it, we discover that whenever an expression of wisdom, strength, or skill is required in our own experience—whether in the classroom, the office, or studio, on the field of sport, in the laboratory or gymnasium—we need only to turn to divine intelligence to find the need supplied.

There is great joy in recognizing the abundant, new, and fresh ideas which Mind gives to us; and if one is honest and courageous enough to make use of them, wonderful things may be accomplished. Deep and lasting satisfaction comes as we see our work conforming more and more closely to divine ideals. To do even small things well, things which may seem unimportant at the time, will build up habits of trustworthiness, patience, and persistence, and prepare the way for larger opportunities ahead. Such a worker will not be easily thrown off his orderly course by flattery or conceit, by discouragement or self-condemnation. Nor would counterattractions, however pressing, be permitted to halt his progress. Neither would he waste time and effort in continually looking about to compare his progress with that of others. Was a race ever won by such methods? Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 457), "Christian Science is not an exception to the general rule, that there is no excellence without labor in a direct line."

It is not unusual to find an individual who does fairly well by himself, but who has not yet learned "teamwork"; that is, he does not yet know how to work harmoniously with others. The problem of human relationships would not be so difficult if all knew and heeded the counsel which Paul gave to his young student, Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." To be "approved unto God" would mean that our task must be done as He would lead us to do it. Naturally, then, human opinions about it must be put aside; self-will must give way. Consequently, greater freedom of action is gained, and there is less likelihood of criticism, strife, personal rivalry, or envy. Being generous enough to credit others with right motives makes for mutual understanding, helpfulness, and appreciation. Thus is gradually developed an attitude of genuine sportsmanship, which hails with sincere joy the honest efforts and splendid achievements of our fellows, seeing therein added proofs of the ever-presence of Mind.

In reality no competition exists between God's children. All stand in the light of equal opportunity under His law. There is but one contest which concerns us, the contest between right and wrong, between good and evil, between spiritual intelligence and mortal ignorance. Preparing for this contest with sincerity and humility, one cannot lose anything good. This means that the measure of self-discipline which has been gained, together with the progressive realization of spiritual qualities and capabilities, far outweighs any material token and makes for an increasing share of happiness, success in good works, and peace. We are not working for the moment only, or for ourselves only. Neither should we be tempted to believe that our effort is a solitary one. The infinite Mind is supporting the motives He awakens in human hearts, and every right ambition, translated into action, brings us all nearer to the inevitable outcome of this contest—the supremacy of Spirit.