Article November 29, 1941 Issue

"Let no man despise thy youth"

[Written Especially for Young People]

ELOISE PATTILLO HENDRICK

Sometimes young people are tempted to believe that by reason of their youthfulness they are at a disadvantage in several respects, such as in establishing themselves in business or in other departments of experience. This, however, is a fallacy that need not deceive anyone. Christian Science shows that the immaturity which mortal belief attaches to youth is unknown to Spirit, God, whereas freshness and spontaneity, which characterize youth, are forever perfectly expressed in the man of God's creating. These spiritual qualities belong to all God's children, unlimited by false beliefs of age and limitation. St. Paul once wrote to Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Therefore, all can remove the hindrances or false beliefs often associated with youth, such as carelessness, incompetence, lack of wisdom or application, absorption in self and trivialities, a false sense of values, and a fondness for the false attractions of materiality. These errors cease to deceive those who are faithfully striving to know their true identity, in the likeness of God, and to reject and avoid the various arguments that they are subject to immaturity and limitation. Spontaneity, vigor, simplicity, innocence, directness, and receptivity are among the eternal, timeless attributes of spiritual existence, and, when understood, they are continuously expressed in experience. To claim these qualities because they are imparted by God, is the joyous, freedom-bestowing opportunity of every Christian Scientist. The utilization of these spiritual facts brings a greater freedom for accomplishment and success, while furnishing needed discipline for character building.

Mrs. Eddy defines "man" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 591) as "the compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind." Understanding the fact that God's man expresses spiritual perfection enables one successfully to fill his position with efficiency and poise. One student of Christian Science, just out of Sunday school, was elected to a responsible church office involving duties for which he had had no previous experience or training. Immediately came the suggestion that he was too young to undertake such a task, but this was denied and an effort made to claim his God-given heritage of intelligence and ability. For several years, this position afforded him many opportunities to serve the Cause of Christian Science, and he was humbly grateful that the work was performed to the satisfaction of all concerned.

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