Article February 3, 1940 Issue

Rejoicing versus Complaining

FLORENCE I. EDWARDS

Genuine rejoicing can come only from spiritual understanding. Mary Baker Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 15), "Christians rejoice in secret beauty and bounty, hidden from the world, but known to God." And Christ Jesus said, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." These statements show that our rejoicing cannot depend upon matter or material conditions. Why is there so much complaining in the world today? What causes men to grumble, find fault, and be dissatisfied with their conditions? Is it not because education has been materialistic rather than spiritual? Since matter never satisfies, it is not surprising that there is little rejoicing over material things, or that the pleasure in them quickly wanes.

Complaining surely emanates from material, depressing thoughts, for one who is thinking spiritually does not complain. When we utter complaints about our home, friends, relatives, or work, we are dwelling mentally in materiality. We can stop complaining and rejoice, even in our human affairs, if we lift our thoughts spiritually, for our real home is in Mind, divine consciousness, wherein the sons and daughters of God forever dwell; and this knowing of God and His creation is our real business. In our church work there would be fewer complaints were we to rejoice in the privilege of serving God and the Cause of Christian Science, knowing, as Mrs. Eddy tells us (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 133), that "Love makes all burdens light." If we are to "rejoice in secret beauty and bounty, hidden from the world," because our reward is "in heaven," our rejoicing must come from spiritual thinking. This can be attained by communion with God, divine Mind, by acknowledging Him only and denying any reality in matter and material conditions.

Cheerfulness, good humor, optimism, and kindly laughter are useful in replacing gloom, irritability, pessimism, and sorrow. One who complained much sought to correct this tendency. He decided that each time the temptation came to complain he would think of something for which to be grateful, and would rejoice in this evidence of good. Soon things took on a new light, the home seemed lovelier, companions and friends more congenial, duties more harmonious. The temptation to complain became less and less, and he found joy in everything he did.

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