One's Claim

HYLDA SWINBANKS

In the chapter entitled "Glossary" in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy gives us definitions of certain words, and, in some instances, both the spiritual and the material meaning. For example, "sword" is defined thus (p. 595): "The idea of Truth; justice. Revenge; anger." Studying these definitions, we learn how important it is to understand them, and also what a debt of gratitude we owe to our beloved Leader for her careful choice of words with which to convey her teaching. And so the student of Christian Science learns to study words in order to gain more and more of their spiritual meaning.

When the writer was very young in the study of Christian Science, and unfamiliar with the meaning of certain words, her attention was arrested one day, in the course of conversation, by her friend's use of the word "claim," as applied to a condition of physical inharmony. It was explained to her that error tries to claim reality in human consciousness, and that it is our work to prove its suggestion worthless and unreal. After some pondering over the meaning of this word, a somewhat fuller light was shed on the question, and this light has often illumined dark moments which have occurred in later days.

The child's claim upon his parents for food, clothing, protection, love, and all things necessary for his welfare is accepted without question. When he lacks any of these things, how naturally and spontaneously he claims them! If danger, sickness, or any other trouble threatens, how quickly he runs to his parents for protection, instinctively turning to them for comfort and relief! It is then that he feels he has a special claim on their love.

Even when a young person has been brought up in the knowledge of Christian Science and has learned to do his own mental work, he still loves to confide in his parents when working out some problem, and naturally claims their loving sympathy and co-operation. If on his reaching manhood any question arises as to the legality of his claim to inherit material wealth or possessions, he must prove to the satisfaction of the law that he is the rightful heir. He must establish his claim; and this, in many cases, entails active work.

So it is in the real and only true relationship which exists between every child of God and his divine Father-Mother. Error would try to deprive us of the infinite and inexhaustible good to which we are heirs. When sickness, lack, sorrow, or any other inharmony arises as a false claim, what a joy it is to know that we can turn to our heavenly Father and lay claim to our real heritage of health, abundance, joy—the spiritual realities which are the opposite of those evils!

In Genesis we read of two brothers, Esau and Jacob, one of whom despised his birthright, while the other envied his brother's rights. Deluded by the false mortal belief that one can inherit more good than another, and believing that possessions are material and limited, they allowed envy, jealousy, deceit, and anger to disrupt brotherly love and cause estrangement. It was only after many years of living in a strange land that Jacob, at Peniel, learned and acknowledged the great truth that God's blessings are for all His children to share fully, freely, and impartially, and was reconciled to his brother Esau. So, through the understanding which Christian Science gives, all may learn that they are indeed "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ." All may learn what a wealth of possession is theirs as they lay claim to it on the ground of reflection.

As children of the one infinite Father-Mother God, we have no rival claimants, no enemies to dispute our birthright. All can rejoice in the truth that each one has an equal claim upon the Father's goodness. Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 13), "Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals;" and on page 444, "Immortals, or God's children in divine Science, are one harmonious family."

What is our inheritance as the children of God, good? Abundant wealth of joy, peace, strength, happiness, health, activity, supply, love—in short, the kingdom of heaven. Who would not be willing to claim such a glorious heritage?

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit