Article September 30, 1944 Issue

The Great Spiritual Fact

GILBERT R. SMITH

In the study of Christian Science it is vital that we strive at all times to realize the spiritual import of what we read. For it is this deep, clear realization which uplifts and inspires thought and brings swift and complete healing.

For years a certain businessman had been seeking a cure for a serious physical disability. Finally, having exhausted all material means and methods of treatment, he turned hopefully to Christian Science. In due time he became an earnest student of this Science and made steady progress in the attainment of spiritual understanding. However, the desired healing seemed delayed. In spite of this, the student refused to become discouraged or disheartened. Often he would courageously express the thought to himself and others that as soon as he had acquired sufficient understanding, humility, and love he would be able to overcome the distressing conditions.

Time went on, and still there was no apparent change in the physical aspect. Then one day while he was studying the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the student came abruptly upon the following dynamic statement (p. 428): "The great spiritual fact must be brought out that man is, not shall be, perfect and immortal." He had read those lines many times before, but now they stood out with amazing clearness. He suddenly realized that while he had been declaring he would sometime be well, he had at the same time been virtually declaring that at the present time he was not well. In other words, he had been believing that sometime he would be perfect, but that he must first be healed or changed before he could reach this state. He had lost sight of the great unchanging fact that "man is, not shall be, perfect and immortal." Now he saw and comprehended the vital truth that not only would he be perfect, but he actually was, in his true being, perfect that very moment and every moment. His healing inevitably followed.