Article May 31, 1941 Issue

Higher and Higher

[Written Especially for Young People]

TERESE ROSE NAGEL

In an amateur athletic meet broadcast over a national radio network, it was announced that a world's record had been achieved in a pole-vaulting contest. The judge, in introducing the winner over the microphone, stated that he had not expected the athlete to exceed his last year's high championship record. Called to say a few words, the victorious contestant expressed no surprise at having attained this high goal, and in conclusion responded, "I always expect to go up higher and higher." He did not limit his future accomplishments.

Students of Christian Science can make such a statement with the same positiveness and assurance displayed by the athlete on this occasion, but with broader implications. The Christian Scientist bases his conviction of successful attainment not on mere self-confidence, human will, or physical determination. Though striving to bring about high results, he knows that his progress rests on his understanding of God, Principle, on the law of good, and its unvarying mode of operation. Through realizing the perfection of God and man, he establishes in consciousness high motives, aims, and ideals, and thus bases his thoughts and his actions on these standards. Through them he progresses and succeeds.

It is normal that young people should desire to rise in their chosen fields of activity, and they will do so in greater measure as they embody in thought co-operative rather than competitive motives. Mental and physical reservations and limitations are broken down and set aside as the superiority and supremacy of spiritual over physical power are maintained in thought. Holding to this grand purpose, there will be witnessed a greater unfoldment of strength, wisdom, freedom, and dominion. Mary Baker Eddy states in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 90), "Divest yourself of the thought that there can be substance in matter, and the movements and transitions now possible for mortal mind will be found equally possible for the body." We read in Psalms, "For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God I have leaped over a wall."

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