Article April 28, 1934 Issue

Independence and Dependence

GRAHAM CAMERON LYTLE

Independence! The very thought of it finds instant response in everyone's heart. Its attainment is so desired that people spend much of their time and effort in endeavoring to gain that degree of security which represents freedom. To many, independence means liberation from worry and financial entanglements; to many, it means freedom from illness, pain, and erroneous habits; while to others, it means release from prison houses of grief, fear, unhappiness, and uncertainty of the future.

The many and varied paths by which men have sought the freedom and peace desired are indicative of unsatisfactory methods pursued and of illusive and disappointing results. Christ Jesus declared without qualification the one true way when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." So utterly different from material methods is this means of finding freedom that mankind has generally overlooked it.

Christian Science points uncompromisingly to the teachings of Christ Jesus as the only method of gaining enduring liberation. Our part is to continue in his word and to know the truth; and the truth will make free. As we know the truth regarding God and man, the material seeming is reversed. The reverse of independence being dependence, we see that it is that upon which we depend or lean mentally which determines our independence from, or bondage to, material sense and its limitations, fears, and pains. The only real independence is found in complete dependence upon God, good. To depend only on God, men must have a right understanding of Him, His nature and character. To the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science mankind owes endless gratitude and love for her definition of God, given on page 465 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

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