Article January 1, 1938 ISSUE

A Good Time

[Written Especially for Young People]

A. LINCOLN ROTHBLUM

"Can one have a good time and conform to the teachings of Christian Science?"

This question presents itself to young people who are striving to be loyal Christian Scientists. Some phases of the question involve the wise selection of friends, appropriate reading, and total abstinence from intoxicating drinks and tobacco.

Mary Baker Eddy, our beloved Leader, predicates her inspired statements of Truth on the Bible. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 126 ) she writes: "The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in 'the straight and narrow way' of Truth." "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way," young people may confidently turn to the Scriptures and to Mrs. Eddy's authorized works to find divine direction.

There they will find that man, spiritually created, is the child of God, His image and likeness. Man, being like God, forever expresses the joy and happiness which partake of the nature of Love. These graces of Spirit, God, scientifically reflected, are made manifest through spiritualized thinking and improved conduct. Subject only to the elevating influences of Mind, man, in Science, knows only spiritual good. The demands of spiritual goodness are untouched by materiality; hence they are ageless. Moral excellence is never out of date.

In the time given to friends, young Christian Scientists do well to exercise spiritual wisdom. Those who claim to have a riotous good time must learn that in the orderly processes of Mind, joy and gladness have no undesirable features. The working student of Christian Science accurately discerns between the joyous modes of the infinite divine Mind and the unavailing methods of finite, mortal mind. To keep God and His Christ uppermost in consciousness develops the needed spiritual discernment. It aids in the protective selection of associates. It fosters contentment and happiness in well-poised freedom demonstrated through spiritual sense. It promotes temperate enjoyment and affords opportunities for its expression.

It is reassuring to understand that nothing of real value is missed or lost in the rejection of evil and its performances. The falsities an failings of the carnal mind, not being God-created, are figments of error, unreal and impotent. The book of Proverbs contains a helpful hint as to the satisfying nature of spiritually-minded enjoyments in the statement, "He that is of a merry heart a continual feast."

The Christian Scientist safeguards with scientific care his choice of reading matter, other than the Bible and Christian Science literature, and the time allotted to it. Whatever develops one's spiritual standing, refines the intellect. He finds that whatever prevents acuteness of perception dims the purity of thought which makes students of Christian Science "lively stones" in the temple of our Father. To cultivate appreciation of moral, aesthetic, and spiritual values is to experience needful elevation of thought and action, and to promote intelligent interest in current events. On the other hand, Mrs. Eddy foresaw the necessity of eschewing inappropriate publications and states her views thus (ibid., p. 195): "Novels, remarkable only for their exaggerated pictures, impossible ideals, and specimens of depravity, fill our young readers with wrong tastes and sentiments."

Persuasions pressing upon youth to induce the use of tobacco and intoxicating drinks need be accorded neither time nor consideration. Their suggestions are found, in Science, to be without effect. They meet with no response in the consciousness adhering to Principle. They are instantly refused acceptance through recognition of their nothingness. The spiritual apprehension of God as Principle, gained through the study and application of Christian Science, gives "to the young man knowledge and discretion." Pleasure does not inhere in matter. Indulging the stultifying vagaries of the carnal mind is not having a good time.

Realization of the spiritual nature of existence in Mind strengthens the God-given ability to say "no" to the vacuous appeals of personal sense. It silences errant inclinations. Young people merging into manhood and womanhood, and conscious of the lofty standards of Christian Science, strive to approximate the perfection exemplified by Christ Jesus. They totally abstain from whatever involves impairment of the finer sensibilities. They reject the unreal because they respond to the real attraction of good.

Young Christian Scientists are aware of the time so requisite for learning to know God, and His "beloved Son." As youthful students of this Science of Christianity enlist in the active pursuit of God's divine purposes on earth, they find the time for God—the time for good—a good time.

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