Youth and Spiritual Progress

[Written Especially for Young People]

JOHN VAN VALKENBURGH WATSON

YOUNG students of Christian Science need the spiritual education of active church membership, and the church organization needs the "easy and rapid strides towards Truth" which Mary Baker Eddy describes as characteristic of youth (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 236). When the temptation presents itself to delay joining a Christian Science church, it is often helpful if the hesitant one will ask himself, Whence comes this suggestion?

Does the suggestion present itself, "I am not yet good enough, or experienced enough, to join the church"? We must remember that man, as the reflection of God, manifests divine goodness. Mortals need to realize this, whatever they may have believed heretofore about the states and stages of human goodness. When we become conscious of spiritual reality, false appetites, such as drinking and smoking, which delay spiritual progress, are seen to be worthless.

Another question that sometimes troubles college students is, "Should I join a branch church, or the Christian Science organization at my college, or both?" Ordinarily, youthful Christian Scientists find that membership in a college organization is a great aid to them in the solution of their problems. It should be remembered, however, that these organizations only supplement the work of branch churches, and are in no way substitutes for that work. Further, it is possible to belong to a college organization and to a branch church or society at the same time.

Activity in a Christian Science church, including ushering, committee work, and Sunday school teaching, affords a splendid opportunity for serving one's community and humanity. The argument that youth lacks the desire to cultivate spiritual sense is an erroneous suggestion, and it does not deceive the Christian Scientist.

The Way-shower for all time, Christ Jesus, began his epoch-making three-year ministry of healing and teaching at the age of thirty years. All have the opportunity to follow the example of the great Teacher.

Mrs. Eddy, in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (Pref., p. ix), speaks of "a youth that never grows old." Such a state of thought is ever mindful of its right responsibilities.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit