Article December 17, 1949 Issue

OUR DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS

[Of Special Interest to Young People]

EUNICE H. DIZER

Everyone enjoys the privilege of friendship with distinguished people. Through studying the Bible in the Christian Science Sunday School we learn of many men and women who won distinction and honor through choosing good instead of evil, thereby winning renown for all time. As we understand their struggles with and victories over matter, we find them much like ourselves, and they become our friends. They turned away from materialistic thinking and living to spirituality as they talked with, listened to, and obeyed God. Their lives are inspiring examples to us in our daily living, helping us to choose the highest way. In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy gives the spiritual significance of the names and natures of some of these men, so that we may learn to recognize the qualities of thought which they represented.

Let us consider a few of these distinguished individuals. Abraham, known as the "Father of the faithful," stands out as an honored and valiant patriarch (see Science and Health, p. 579). He worshiped the one almighty God at a time when others worshiped idols. His faithfulness was put to many tests, but he never faltered in his fidelity. He went out into a strange country at an advanced age at God's command and prospered.

Abraham's desire to live peaceably with others and his generosity toward Lot were displayed when their adjoining lands became crowded and friction threatened. By giving Lot first choice of new lands, Abraham proved his faith in God and won blessing for his own family as well as for his descendants. Because he believed it to be God's will, Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his most cherished possession, his only son, Isaac. The angel of the Lord, however, enlightened Abraham's consciousness, and the sacrifice was averted. We may also gain spiritual rewards by choosing to be honest, unselfish, faithful, and obedient.

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