Article November 27, 1943 Issue

Finding One's Right Place

W. NORMAN COOPER

Jesus often talked of the kingdom of God to his disciples and to the throngs that came to hear him. As one earnestly studies the Gospels, he becomes increasingly impressed with the fact that this knowledge of the kingdom of heaven is the central doctrine of the master Christian's teachings. On one occasion, when pressed for information regarding his knowledge of this kingdom, he said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." How well with this statement corresponds the definition of "kingdom of heaven" given by Mary Baker Eddy on page 590 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." She describes it as "the reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme." She also writes (ibid., p. 266), "Perfect and infinite Mind enthroned is heaven."

In this correct sense of the kingdom of heaven, in this spiritually mental realm, the student of Christian Science finds his right place. Differing from ordinary mortal thinking, this correct view reveals to the student the unquestionable fact that his place is in no way dependent on human conditions. As he gains a realization of the true concept of place, which is in Mind, God, he need never fear that he will be in an unproductive or unnecessary position, or in one which someone else should be filling; and he can know also that no one else can really fill his place or be envious of his position. Despite human evidence to the contrary, man is now, and ever has been, in his spiritual place—in the kingdom of heaven.

The writer, a staff sergeant in the United States Army, had been accepted for new work, and he became desirous of preparing himself for the change which this work would necessitate. However, many conditions arose to hinder him in his plans. In an attempt to clear his own thought regarding change of place, he applied the truths he knew of Christian Science. During his prayers, he was led to these words from the Christian Science Hymnal:

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