Article June 30, 1934 Issue

Right Resistance

FLORA W. PENNEY

In medical parlance, the word "resistance" is used to indicate that physical quality which it is claimed enables one more or less successfully to combat fatigue, disease, and even death itself, and it is believed that this resistance in some degree can be built up or broken down according to one's observance of material laws of health. Some physicists admit that it is partly mental, and impute to the human mind the power to bring about desired physical conditions by the exercise of will-power, and they may advise the sick to substitute for fear, depression, and anxiety, thoughts of courage, happy expectation, and cheerfulness.

Mrs. Eddy tells us on page 186 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" that "if mortal mind knew how to be better, it would be better," and it is only when taught by Truth that the human mind learns that true resistance to the undesirable conditions to which humanity seems to be in subjection is not found in obedience to supposititious laws of matter or mortal mind, or in blind optimism, but in the understanding and utilization of the power of God, operating through spiritual law. In the Scriptures we are told that if we resist the devil he will flee from us; and in Christian Science we are shown how to increase our ability to stand against the onslaughts of error of every kind. And so standing, consistently and persistently, in our God-given consciousness of spiritual dominion, we see these errors vanish, for we are acquiring a state of mind opposed to error that cannot be broken down by any supposititious material laws.

The Bible holds forth the assurance that he who thinks and acts rightly shall dwell in a secure place, safe from invasion, "a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down. ... And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick." Now an inhabitant is not merely a sojourner, a transient visitor, but one who dwells continuously in one place. What a glorious thought that with the help of our heavenly Father we can find our true dwelling in His kingdom, successfully resisting the entrance into our thought of anything which would militate against our peace and harmony, claiming and realizing our exemption from the afflictions and distresses of mortal decrees!

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