Editorial July 9, 1938 Issue

Winning the Prize

Duncan Sinclair

In his first letter to the Corinthians (9:24) Paul writes: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." What is the apostle seeking to impress on those to whom he writes? The need for perseverance, diligence, persistence, equal to those of a prize winner. Obviously, he is thinking of the difficulties that beset the Christian, the temptations which come to him suggesting that he should cease his warfare against evil, and endeavoring to make him think that he cannot continue to resist evil's erroneous claims courageously.

In his efforts to attain to a greater understanding of spiritual truth and to demonstrate that truth in spiritual healing, the Christian Scientist is like the early Christians. Indeed, Christian Science is primitive Christianity, scientifically interpreted. Paul's words therefore apply to the Christian Scientist, who knows Christ, Truth, and its healing power. But how steadfast he must be in his study of the Christian Science textbooks, the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, in order to maintain his spiritual understanding and to increase it! If this be not done, if the student should forget his duty and listen to false doctrine, he is sure to be led astray from the truth as Christian Science reveals it. And who can say what this may cost him in effort to return to the right path?

Referring to the task of demonstrating the healing power of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health, p. 462), "Self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence alone win the prize, as they usually do in every department of life." To succeed, then, in the healing work of Christian Science—and the power to heal is a great test of one's spiritual understanding, one's Christianity, and a prize which every Christian Scientist strives to win—"self-denial, sincerity, Christianity, and persistence" are indispensable.

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