Article July 19, 1947 Issue

GOD-GIVEN SELF-CONTROL

PEARL G. ANDREWS

Self-Control is considered a great asset for a man or a woman. Frequently, however, by self-control is meant merely the exercise of human will power. Although a mortal's human determination to subdue, hold back, or conquer words and deeds considered unwise may indeed seem to be the use of the human will, it is by no means to be condemned when the underlying desire is based on Principle. To bring into subjection in the best way at our present command the undisciplined tendency to speak out of order, to act impulsively, to think erratically, is both legitimate and praiseworthy. Such an accomplishment becomes more natural and more successful as the individual mentally progresses from that which is morally good to the spiritual, and thereby understands the divine will to be good and omnipotent, evidencing the control and government of God's unerring direction. This is the only dependable and really effective self-control.

Mary Baker Eddy speaks of the one infinite control—God's control over the universe, including individual man—in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she says (p. 171), "Mind's control over the universe, including man, is no longer an open question, but is demonstrable Science," Mrs. Eddy's writings teach us that Mind is a synonym for God, and that man and the universe express, as God's reflection, all that Mind, God, possesses. Indeed, man possesses nothing except by way of reflection. Hence control, like every other good quality, is a reflected possession, and this possession must be claimed and utilized.

We often hear a hope expressed that some disagreeable habit or undesirable trait of disposition will one day roll off, and that Truth will automatically, as it were, release one without any real effort on his part. It is very true that physical and moral errors have been known to disappear from the lives of needy mortals without any specific metaphysical work through their daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, their sincere perusal of the writings of our Leader, or perhaps merely their pondering of some article in the Christian Science periodicals. But there are many times when a definite, specific endeavor to be healed is necessary on our part. Mrs. Eddy tells us frequently in her writings that not only seeking but also striving is requisite. The road does not always seem easy to travel, but the goal is certain to be gained by those who are active and faithful.

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