Article May 28, 1938 Issue

Practicing Christian Science

[Written Especially for Young People]

JOHN GERARD LORD

What does it mean to practice Christian Science? May it not be defined in part as practicing the truth we have learned from our daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, by means of the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and from the instruction we have received in Sunday school? In our schoolwork we study mathematics, beginning with the practice of the simpler rules and advancing step by step to the higher branches of the subject. Likewise, in the practice of Christian Science we begin with the simpler steps. It matters not at all how little we may understand as yet. We can begin here and now to use, to put into practice, what we know, and thus move on to a fuller understanding.

We all understand, at least to some extent, what it means to love. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes in Science and Health (p. 113), "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love." Man, the Bible tells us, is made in the image and likeness of God, and God is Love. Man, then, to be like God, must be and is loving. So that practicing Christian Science means learning to love more, to be more considerate of others, kinder, more helpful, gentle, patient, and forgiving, at home, at school—wherever we may be.

And we shall find, as we do this, that love is not mere sentimental affection, but that to reflect divine Love requires sincerity, courage, patience, forbearance, and great unselfishness. The beloved Way-shower, Christ Jesus, reflected divine Love in all that he said and did. So great, indeed, was his love that he allowed no personal consideration to stand in the way of his mission to bless, heal, and save mankind, even surrendering to the cross, that he might prove for mankind the omnipotence of God, good, and the powerlessness. the nothingness of evil.

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