Article February 25, 1939 Issue

Overcoming Discouragement

ALICE CORTRIGHT

TO a student of Christian Science it seemed as though, in spite of his best efforts to think rightly and act lovingly, his human affairs remained a mass of fears and uncertainties. He persistently reminded himself of the many occasions for gratitude which were his, but suggestions of error continued. At the first opportunity he turned to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where on page 254 he read these words by Mary Baker Eddy: "Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement." And in a Christian Science Sentinel at hand at the time there was this startling question: "What is discouragement but self-indulgence?"

This student saw that in his early study of Christian Science he had gained some understanding of Truth so rapidly, and had seen such unmistakably good results from its application, that when, later on, he encountered a situation which did not readily yield, he had permitted himself to become discouraged. He had never thought of discouragement as self-indulgence, yet obviously it was the indulgence of a false sense of self, an untrue concept of Life, since Life is God, and man is God's image and likeness.

Turning to our Leader's definition of "I, or Ego" (ibid., p. 588), he read the statement, "All the objects of God's creation reflect one Mind, and whatever reflects not this one Mind, is false and erroneous, even the belief that life, substance, and intelligence are both mental and material." A radical stand, then, must be taken. Certainly there is no occasion to pity the true self, which reflects the one Mind. There is no fear of unfair judgment or condemnation, such beliefs being "false and erroneous." The one Mind, God, infinite good, includes all true identities, and these are happy and harmonious in their interrelationship. In the universe of Spirit there is no fear, no uncertainty, no self-pity. God, good, alone governs.

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