Man's Spiritual Habitation

GEORGE WELLS HOLLAND

Contrary to the general opinion of the world, Christian Science reveals incontrovertibly that man lives in a spiritually mental realm, "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Evil, in its myriad forms, can never enter this spiritual habitation, to annoy or to disturb. There harmony reigns supreme.

In her interpretation of the twenty-third Psalm, Mrs. Eddy renders the sixth verse thus: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 578). Therefore, it is apparent that home is a state of consciousness, and that in proportion as we reflect omnipresent divine Love we mentally enter the true home, which is indestructible and eternal.

Our habitation is not a material structure of bricks and mortar, or wood, whether humble or magnificent. It is not something that can be materially built, bought, or rented. Rather is it in the realm of divine Mind, the conscious realization of eternal harmony.

The following illustrations clearly indicate the beneficial effects of holding to the right concept of man's spiritual habitation, gained through a systematic and consecrated study and application of Christian Science.

A young student of Science was once confronted with an untoward home condition, which seemed very difficult to cope with. On asking the help of a practitioner, he was lovingly reminded that, as he lived in the realm of thought, his thinking must be improved to the utmost, in order that the manifestation might be improved. It was also brought out that as in each home competent housecleaning removes the accumulation of surplus items, so should we eliminate all undesirable mental traits, that room might be made for the spiritual, the good, and the true.

When he had improved his mental condition, he found the words of the prophet Isaiah literally fulfilled, "And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." This was a most convincing proof to him that human conditions are improved as thought patterns the divine.

One whose business connection necessitated her being frequently transferred from one city to another for a time, was faced with an overwhelming sense of loneliness and insecurity. Soon, however, she became so busily engaged in the study of the Bible and Science and Health that the false sense of self was subordinated. Mrs. Eddy's statement (ibid., p. 254), "Pligrim on earth, thy home is heaven," was invaluable to her. It was also a source of much joy and inspiration to realize that the terms "home" and "heaven" might be used synonymously. Since "heaven is not a locality, but a divine state of Mind" (ibid., p. 291), the genuine home is not limited or localized, but is within spiritual thinking. No matter whether one's temporary abode be on a mountain's summit or in a barren desert, God's presence constitutes one's actual dwelling place. When the student revognized this fact, she experienced spiritual protection from various mental suggestions, thereby bearing witness to the words of the Psalmist: "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."

Christ Jesus said of himself, "The Son of man hath not where to lay his head," yet he understood, better than all others, his eternal habitation in the kingdom of Spirit. This enabled him to say, "In my Father's house are many mansions." Because his thinking was continually in the realm of infinite Love, he was prepared to demonstrate his unity or oneness with divine Mind, which comprised his true dwelling place.

In gratitude for the priceless legacy of his example, we may daily pray in the words of a beloved hymn:

"O tender, loving Shepherd,
We long to follow thee,
To follow where thou leadest,
Though rough the path may be;
Though dark and heavy shadows
Enshroud the way with gloom,
We know that Love will guide us,
And safely lead us home."

Under divine guidance we are led triumphantly into our true sanctuary of Love, where there is no element of loneliness, discord, or disintegration. May each one of us keep his mental habitation a sacred place, expressing only the Godlike qualities of purity, gratitude, and security! Nothing can enter this home "that defileth, ... or maketh a lie."

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