Helping International Conditions

F. HAROLD RICHARDS

When we look around the world today there is a great temptation to feel discouraged and confused by national and international conditions. Intolerance and tyranny seem to be firmly seated in many countries. Certain nations appear to be using force against their neighbors, after pledging themselves to renounce such methods; whilst good will and co-operation, justice and loving-kindness—the very elements of Christianity—which are not uncommon between individuals, are difficult to find when nations deal with one another. No one in the modern world should remain indifferent to these conditions, for they claim to affect all business, the general standard of living, happiness, and in some cases freedom and life itself. What can the Christian Scientist do about this? Can he do anything effective?

Christ Jesus was in no doubt on the point. He accurately described the conditions of today, and pointed out the remedy and course of action for all those who wished to follow his teaching. The twenty-first chapter of Luke gives a graphic account of the turmoil in the world before the kingdom of God is established among men. In the middle of this description occur the words "upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity" and "men's hearts failing them for fear." Is not this a good analysis of much of the news of the present time? Later, in the same chapter, the Way-shower points out the remedy. He says, "Look up, and lift up your heads," which may be interpreted, Look up and lift your thoughts above material evidences to the attributes of divine Mind, which are ever present. By looking up and realizing the presence of divine law and order, justice, tolerance, and good will, we help to bring these into human experience.

Mrs. Eddy, who was an inspired seer and a practical idealist, foresaw the stubborn resistance of the human so-called mind to spiritual and progressive ideas. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 97) she writes: "Those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection." Those who discern Christian Science have the special duty of realizing that spiritual understanding will hold crime in check; that man governed by God will maintain law and order, and that confidence in God's power will enable one cheerfully to await the full appearing of perfection.

If we give time each day to realizing all this, we shall be helping to bring about these desirable and all-important conditions, for right thought externalizes itself. God-governed individuals will more often be elected to positions of influence, and will more fully realize their spiritual ability to make the decisions which are nearest right in the difficult circumstances of today. In "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader writes (p. 288), "Wisdom in human action begins with what is nearest right under the circumstances, and thence achieves the absolute." Knowing this, we can treat the international situation as we should treat a sick patient, by mentally affirming the operation of spiritual law—the unfolding of spiritual ideas to the human consciousness—and by denying the false beliefs which are so largely held by humanity.

No matter how grim and menacing a situation may seem, it will appear to be less so as we realize that, as Christian Scientists, we can, through specific true thinking, do something practical to meet the difficulty. This new view of the situation should bring us great comfort and a restful attitude of mind, whereas before we may have been troubled and confused.

Jesus said, "See that ye be not troubled." And he did not say, Be apathetic, but, "Look up." Can we look up to anything but divine Mind? The New Testament constantly refers to Jesus as going apart and praying to his Father; he continually looked to God for inspiration and guidance.

At the beginning of his ministry, when he faced and overcame the temptations in the wilderness, Jesus gave convincing proof that he was willing to make material sacrifices to prove that God's law alone was governing his thoughts, his acts—his whole ministry on earth. In proportion as we are willing to set aside material sense in order to bring out the government of divine Principle in our lives, we shall help to bring out true thinking and its effects in the life of the nation, for the nation's mental attitude is that of the individual thinking of all its citizens.

In this way each one of us can help the nations of the world to fulfill their real destiny, and so forward the demonstration of God-directed government, which is the kingdom of heaven upon earth.

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