Article May 6, 1950 Issue

THE CHALLENGE

LYMAN S. ABBOTT

The account of David and Goliath recorded in the seventeenth chapter of I Samuel presents an important lesson. Goliath, the giant, symbolizing so-called forces of materiality, or all forms of evil, is self-important and arrogant, defying the armies of Israel. David, a shepherd boy who had learned to know God and trusted Him at all times, typifies the power of righteousness. When Goliath cried out his challenge to the armies of Israel, Saul and his men, we are told, "were dismayed, and greatly afraid." David appeared and accepted the challenge of the giant, and Saul offered to equip David with his own material armor. But David declined to accept such weapons, saying, "I have not proved them." Choosing five smooth stones for his sling, David went forth and slew the giant, and Israel was saved.

To this writer these five smooth stones symbolize the qualities of faith, understanding, courage, confidence, and obedience. Today the Christian Scientist goes forth to battle with evil beliefs, armed with faith in God's support of righteousness, understanding of His ever-presence, courage to stand for Principle, confidence in the omnipotence of Truth, and willingness to obey the demands of divine Love.

Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, understood well the challenge of materialism. She writes in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 268): "Materialistic hypotheses challenge metaphysics to meet in final combat. In this revolutionary period, like the shepherd-boy with his sling, woman goes forth to battle with Goliath." The greatest challenge that one has to meet is the claim of mortal mind that man is material, having a physical body that can be sick and eventually destroyed by death. Contrary to this belief, Christian Science reveals man not as material, but as spiritual, perfect, complete, whole, and harmonious, abiding ever in divine Principle, Love.

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