Truth Made Practical

Jesus of Nazareth concluded the masterly exposition of his doctrine known as the Sermon on the Mount as follows: "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came,...and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

These words by our great Master clearly indicate to all who call themselves Christians that only as we practice what we understand of the Word of Truth can we experience salvation. The American philosopher Emerson wrote, "We do not really have knowledge until we put our knowledge into action."

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, reiterates many times in her writings the necessity of putting her teachings into practice. The subject of practice, moreover, is fully set forth in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." By merely studying this book we may, it is true, gain an understanding of the subject, but this understanding enriches us only as we practice it.

First of all, Christian Science teaches us the truth about God, the universe, and man; the truth about law, substance, power, and so forth. Then it teaches us how to utilize this truth in order to bring harmony into our experience, to reform the sinner and heal the sick.

The Scriptures declare that God is All-in-all. The great Teacher, Christ Jesus, states, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Thus Christian Science has Scriptural authority for concluding that, since God is Spirit, Spirit is All-in-all; and consequently all is spiritual.

This All has no opposite; it is perfect and immortal. Briefly, this is the great truth which Christian Science reveals to humanity. It is the one and only power there is at mankind's disposal whereby he can destroy sin, sickness, and death and know salvation.

In Science and Health (p. 201 ) Mrs. Eddy writes, "The best sermon ever preached is Truth practised and demonstrated by the destruction of sin, sickness, and death." The moment students of Christian Science understand that God, good, is All, and that good is the only substance of the universe, they understand and admit once and for all that evil, under whatever guise it may present itself, is unreal, because it is a lie opposed to God. It is false in all its statements, because contrary to Truth. Since evil, or error, has neither origin nor support in God, it can have neither law, authority, nor power.

The basis of Christian Science practice, then, is the truth that all that really exists is spiritual, complete, perfect, and immortal. This being understood and acknowledged, it becomes evident that God's work is finished, and that the work of the Christian Scientist is not that of changing what already exists, for all this is forever complete and perfect. Then, one may ask, what is there for us to do? What should be our attitude toward any case which may present itself? We must deny every lie about God and man; we must realize the truth about God, man, and the universe, law, power, and so forth.

The practice of Christian Science, constantly and under every circumstance, opposes material error with spiritual Truth, evil with good, hate with Love, sin with purity. This practice demands of the Christian Scientist sustained effort, consecration at all times, and absolute faith in the power of Truth.

Let us endeavor in the midst of our daily occupations to think, talk, and act in accordance with Truth. Let us do this not merely from a sense of duty, but because we love the truth. The practice of Christian Science could be summarized in two words, namely, Do good! To demonstrate Truth, we must practice it, manifest it in our lives.

Thought imbued with purity, Truth, and Love, and instructed in the Science of metaphysical healing is the most efficacious healing agent there is. True healing means spiritualization of thought. This result is attained only by demonstration of Christ, Truth. Deeds rather than professions of our faith are required of us.

Sometimes students are surprised at their lack of success or delayed demonstration. Having declared the truth sincerely, they look in vain for a cause of failure. They would do well in such a case to ponder the following words on page 149 of our textbook: "If you fail to succeed in any case, it is because you have not demonstrated the life of Christ, Truth, more in your own life,—because you have not obeyed the rule and proved the Principle of divine Science."

The duty of true Christians is set forth in the Sermon on the Mount, which must be practiced by Christian Scientists. Yes, we must live the true life by following the example of Christ Jesus. We must ponder and obey the sixth tenet given us by our Leader (Science and Health, p. 497 ): "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure." A friendly word, a kindly gesture, a compassionate deed will do more for our spiritual advancement than years of mere theory and preaching can ever do.

We prove our faith and win progress by the application of Truth in our lives.

Let us then be vigilant and make this prayer of the Psalmist our own: "Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

The forces of brutality and materialism will gain the day if we fail to make use of the one invincible weapon of religion that we possess against them.—Sir Samuel Hoare.