Article February 3, 1940 Issue

Self-Warfare

RAYMOND D. HEINE

TODAY upon all sides and from numerous sources we hear a great deal about warfare. Our daily experiences are constantly colored by this information. Much has been said in the past of a war to end wars. Such a thing is possible here and now, but not in the manner that many would have us believe. This accomplishment will be the result of each and every individual's doing his part. Mary Baker Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 118). "Be of good cheer: the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with you, — and obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory." We must cast out the beam from our own eyes, and in so doing destroy the mote in our brother's eye.

The elimination of envy, jealousy, hate, malice, and revenge from our own thinking will keep us from clinging to our own belief in evil, our own beam, while criticizing another's mote. Christian Scientists, because of their high standards and sincere desire to lift themselves higher, are constantly tempted to be critical of their own and others' mistakes. Our work, which gives us "plenty of employment," is to detect and eliminate the beam in our own eye, and if possible help others to do likewise.

Jesus' life was an example of putting first things first. He consistently stressed the importance of purity of thought. Through his teaching and practice he proved the importance of loving God supremely and his neighbor as himself. The spiritualizing power of divine Love, acting upon human consciousness, makes it possible for us to follow in his footsteps. As a result of his spiritualized thought he ascended above materiality. It is this which Christian Scientists are striving to do; and it is possible of attainment.

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