Article January 4, 1941 Issue

Faithful Warriors

MABEL WHITE RODOCKER

THE beginner in Christian Science often has some wonderful experience for which to be grateful, such as a physical healing or release from sin, as a result of his first turning to Christian Science. To him the first touch of the hem of the robe of the healing Christ may have been sweet indeed; and he may be surprised to learn that he must shoulder the cross if he would continue up the mountain of revelation. A sense of rebellion may argue to him, and he may feel that the responsibility involved is greater than the benefits received warrant. He may read with some apprehension the words of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 56), "War is waged between the evidences of Spirit and the evidences of the five physical senses; and this contest must go on until peace be declared by the final triumph of Spirit in immutable harmony." However, with increased understanding, he begins to see that there is no way of eluding this Christian warfare, and soon he loses any desire to avoid it, because of what he sees to be its certain and joyful outcome.

Balaam sang of the goodly tents of Jacob and of the tabernacles of Israel, referring not merely to the material encampment, but to the Christ-idea which, however faintly perceived by the Israelites, was guarding them and guiding them through the wilderness. To break the dream of confusion, and to quiet the elements of evil which seems to be operating in the world, we must rely unreservedly upon divine intelligence, and accept Christ Jesus' method of warfare with the false claims of evil.

Jesus in his earthly ministry came frequently in contact with the condition of thought which clings to a belief in intelligence apart from divine Mind. An instance in which one may find a helpful lesson is recorded in the fourth chapter of John's Gospel. While Jesus was resting at Jacob's well, on his journey through Samaria, a woman of that country came to draw water. His request for a drink may have indicated to her that he was oblivious of the prevailing social distinctions. But when she questioned him, he entered into no discussion regarding rank or race. In this instance, as in others, he sought to turn the thought of the individual to spiritual things. How compassionate was his reply as he assured her that she, in turn, might ask of him and receive freely of the "living water"! He spoke also to her of God as Spirit, and his words enlisted her interest, for she went back to her friends and asked them to come to see Jesus.

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