The Standpoint of Spirit

ROBIN A. WALKER

A mountain climber who had ascended a high peak stood looking toward the distant horizon. The outlook, from this point, was far different from the view he had had in the valley below. There he could see only a short distance, and all about were barriers and high cliffs. His climb had been along a difficult path, but now he was above these barriers and cliffs. He could still see them by looking down, but they were no longer obstructions.

As the mountain climber can see farther when standing on a high peak, so the student of Christian Science can see more clearly when he looks out from a more spiritual standpoint. He may still see the difficulties which trouble mortals, but as he keeps his thought above them he understands their nothingness. Sickness, poverty, and all inharmony are unrealities which mortal belief accepts as true, until thought has been lifted above them to the spiritual facts of Life. But the real man does not have to travel through the valley of materiality to reach this high place, for he is wholly spiritual and dwells forever at the standpoint of Spirit. Centuries ago, it was believed that the earth was flat, and when it was proved to be round nothing was changed but the mistaken belief. So in the overcoming of any false belief, nothing is changed except belief in the errors which had been accepted as true.

The erroneous suggestions that sickness is a part of God's creation, that it can affect the life of man, that man was made subject to limitation and poverty, that he has inherited certain evil tendencies or weaknesses, are, like the belief about a flat earth, untrue. And when one lifts his consciousness above these errors and views life from the standpoint of Spirit, Life, their falsity is exposed. He has stepped out of the darkness of mortal belief into the bright sunlight of God's love, and he need no longer grope or stumble.

Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, says, "They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." And he proved his understanding by raising the dead, by remaining unharmed by the sting of the viper, and by doing many other so-called miracles. A study of Paul's life and that of the early Christians discloses their willingness to give up their former ways of material living, to follow the Master's instructions, to be more loving and willing to obey each Christly precept. Through such living one finds true happiness and security.

The solving of problems naturally leads one to seek a higher understanding through which to grapple with and overcome his doubts and fears. But if, at the outset, one realizes the true spiritual standpoint, the solution is assured, and there is no need to grope in darkness or fear the outcome. God lovingly cares for and protects each spiritual idea, and man, reflecting God, cannot lack anything which is necessary for his good. Instead of regretting the problems which arise in our daily affairs, we should rejoice at having these opportunities to prove our worthiness to receive greater good. And as we firmly face each difficulty, knowing that it is not a reality and is not according to divine sanction, we are strengthened. Our pathway is illumined by the light of ever-present Love, and we find joy replacing fear and doubt.

The belief that one is subject to "mass mesmerism" is false, for man, dwelling at the standpoint of Spirit, is ever awake and sees clearly. One needs to understand his real position in Mind, to know that he is not subject to false material laws. When this stand is taken and held, the error before him is stripped of power to harm, and the understanding of one's spiritual mastery over evil is gained.

Mary Baker Eddy gives us definite instructions regarding the unreality of matter where she says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 209): "The compounded minerals or aggregated substances composing the earth, the relations which constituent masses hold to each other, the magnitudes, distances, and revolutions of the celestial bodies, are of no real importance, when we remember that they all must give place to the spiritual fact by the translation of man and the universe back into Spirit. In proportion as this is done, man and the universe will be found harmonious and eternal." It is through consistent living, through self-immolation and obedience, that one may prove that his true selfhood exists at the standpoint of Spirit, which includes all true being.

The mere repetition of words is not enough. It is living aright each day, following more closely in the loving footsteps of the Master with humility and meekness, being willing to serve in any capacity which may afford progress or where a need is seen, turning away from selfish thinking and living, seeking for more of the spirit of Christianity, that reveals our standpoint. Thus the way constantly grows brighter, life becomes more joyous, difficulties seem less real, and each day brings one nearer the realization of perfection.

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