Article May 4, 1940 Issue

Spiritual Awakening

ROBIN A. WALKER

In a middle western city a large public building was under way. Old structures were razed and shafts sunk into the earth down to solid rock for the foundation. Months passed in this preliminary work with nothing to show above the ground. Passers-by finally had begun to remark about the lack of progress when, one day, the last pier was finished and the steel bases were secured in place. Then, to the watchers, it seemed as if there had been a sudden awakening, for the giant columns were installed rapidly and the steel structure very shortly could be seen towering above the sidewalk. This progress was continuation of the work which had been carried on through many previous months, but the visible structure could appear only after the long preliminary work.

Christian Scientists sometimes grapple with problems without seeing any tangible results for some time, and it may seem that because progress is in some manner delayed the results are being withheld. However, when the work is properly performed and carefully continued, there should come a clear realization of man's perfection as God's likeness and of God's unfailing power, shown in the subduing of the error. Although it may appear that this awakening is sudden, yet, as in the case of the public building, the results were under way from the very outset. Sometimes there are habits and false beliefs of long standing to be cleared away, which the student has been reluctant to give up. New methods of thinking must replace old fears and selfishness. Erroneous beliefs must be replaced by correct understanding, and false concepts banished.

Man, in the likeness of God, is never less than perfect, and needs no awakening. He constantly reflects Mind, the infinite divine consciousness, which cannot be clouded or mystified. He is not subject to mesmerism or dreams, and his perfection cannot be diminished or lost. The belief that matter is real and evil has power, suggests that existence is subject to error and that evil has reality. Ridding oneself of these erroneous premises may require an instant of realization or a long period of effort, and a sincere willingness to accept the spiritual facts. The Apostle Paul said, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

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