Article March 2, 1946 Issue

Good Is Ever Present

MARY OLA WOODSON

"The kingdom of heaven is at hand"—these familiar words of Christ Jesus (Matt. 4:17) indicate that one need not wait to experience heaven. If one questions, "But how am I to realize the presence of a heaven at hand? Is not this too transcendental in a chaotic world?" he can find his answer in the Master's statement (Matt. 18:3), "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Mary Baker Eddy defines the "kingdom of heaven" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 590) as "the reign of harmony in divine Science: the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme." Thus it is plain that heaven, harmony, is gained through a change of consciousness and not through change of location or environment. As we exchange pride for true humility, hatred for loving-kindness, as fear and ingratitude give place to assurance and sweet rejoicing in ever-present good, we are entering the kingdom. This exchange of false beliefs for right ideas must continue until every mortal fault is destroyed. This mode of conversion is made plain through an earnest study of the Bible, together with the Christian Science textbook. Science and Health.

The Bible contains illuminating accounts of the triumph of good over evil, showing the power of God to be ever available to those who turn from material means and methods to Spirit in childlike trust and humility. These characters experienced to some extent the kingdom of heaven.

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