Editorial August 22, 1936 Issue

Progress

Duncan Sinclair

How often one hears the questions asked by the beginner: "How can I progress more rapidly than I am doing in Christian Science? How can I become more capable of demonstrating its spiritual truths?" Often the conscientious student asks himself, if not others, such questions as these. And one can readily understand the reason for his doing so. He may have had—probably has had—an experience of healing when first he began his study, an experience which convinced him of the great possibilities of this Science and made him eager to progress, to learn more of the truth and how to apply it. Besides, every genuine student knows how much has to be accomplished, knows that his task will not be finished until the last mortal fault has been destroyed through the understanding and demonstration of good.

The desire to progress is itself a prayer for divine aid. What did Jesus say on asking and seeking? In Matthew (7:8) these words of his are recorded: "Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." The right mental approach to God ensures the receiving of divine aid. It is not that God has not already done all perfectly; it is not that God improves on anything that is actual or real: His work is finished; His creation is complete, perfect; but humble approach to Him for help and guidance renders thought receptive to spiritual truth, with consequent destruction of the erroneous beliefs which would obstruct and delay progress.

In order to progress, it is necessary that we keep constantly before us the truth about the perfection of God and man. As Christian Science reveals, God is perfect Mind and man is His perfect idea. It is necessary, therefore, if we would progress in the demonstration of our spiritual selfhood, to hold thought steadfastly to the truth that as God's idea that selfhood is perfect. Mrs. Eddy writes (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 242), "Unless you fully perceive that you are the child of God, hence perfect, you have no Principle to demonstrate and no rule for its demonstration."

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Judge Not
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