Article December 1, 1951 Issue

SUCCESS, NOT FAILURE

VERNA M. HALL

To be successful in life is a right desire, and everyone can become more successful if he heeds Mary Baker Eddy's counsel in the following passages: "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 230); and, "Strict adherence to the divine Principle and rules of the scientific method has secured the only success of the students of Christian Science. This alone entitles them to the high standing which most of them hold in the community, a reputation experimentally justified by their efforts" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 456).

It is to be noted that in both of these references Mrs. Eddy has, through the words "persistent effort," "improvement of moments," and "strict adherence," shown us that to be scientifically successful in any activity we cannot vacillate in our study of Christian Science or deviate from the truth of being for a moment. In Christian Science we learn that our consciousness determines the kind of experience we have and that only as we change our consciousness from the mortal to the spiritual do we change our experience. Therefore if we persistently obey our beloved Leader's rules concerning success in life and adhere strictly to divine Principle, our concept of ourself and the universe must improve. This correct mental activity brings success and satisfaction.

From the world's point of view, success is measured in terms of what one has materially or what one does humanly. This kind of success is transient if it has been acquired or accomplished from a wholly mortal basis. But the success which is demonstrated through the truths of Christian Science is permanent, for it is the effect of adhering to Christ Jesus' counsel (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

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