Nearly everyone who has tried to live b the precepts of Christian Science has at one time or another wondered if his efforts were of any avail. That, of course, is nothing but mortal mind tempting us to he discouraged and to relax our efforts. It is important that we recognize this temptation, or evil suggestion, for what it is and quickly apply the remedy that is ever available to us, if we will but use it. This remedy is the truth that man is the idea, the reflection, of divine Mind. As we realize our oneness, or unity, with this Mind and consistently express those qualities which are inherent in Mind, our efforts towards spiritual progress are fruitful.

Some years ago a student of Christian Science was teaching a class of boys in a Christian Science Sunday School. All the boss were of high-school age, interested in the usual school spoils, and were continual reminders of the characteristics of a handful of mercury. Their continuous moving about made the maintaining of order in the class rather difficult. Repeated efforts of correct this tendency brought few results, until one Sunday morning an incident occurred which gave the teacher new hope and encouragement. As the lesson session was about to begin, one of the boys said, "How is a fellow going to use Christian Science e to help win a football game.?"

For a moment the teacher hardly knew what to say in answer to that question, which had been asked in all sincerity. He not only was comparatively young in his study of Science, but also conscious of the fact that several of the boys in the class had been brought up in Christian Science from babyhood and quite likely were as well acquainted with the letter of Science as he was. However, he saw that he must look to divine Mind for the answer and not rely on any human sense of what the answer should or might be. He also realized that Mind did not recognize human problems, but that it was cognizant only of the one inclusive Principle of all being, spiritual and harmonious.

As he held steadfastly to this thought, the teacher was led to ask each boy in the class to tell him what some of the essentials were for winning a football game. Each contributed his answer, enumerating a variety of qualities, such as alertness, observation, discernment, judgment, a sense of fairness, honesty, strength, stamina, and many others. All the boys were quick to admit that only by the expression of such qualities could any person hope to excel in any sport. Strangely enough, not one of them had dwelt upon or even emphasized the importance of any so-called physical element.

After all this evidence was presented the teacher pointed out that every one of the qualities which had been mentioned was spiritual in character and nature. It was then pointed out that each of these qualities has its origin in God, divine Mind; that its expression, or manifestation, is the result of one's spiritual inspiration; and that the use of such qualities never depends upon or is influenced by any physical condition.

It was further shown that whether one is engaged in some sport or in the game of life itself his performance and accomplishments will be successful in proportion to his reflection of God's qualities, not because of any so-called physical ability or prowess; also that when one's efforts are motivated by the spiritual—the good, the helpful, the uplifting, and the constructive —the ultimate result must always be pure, satisfying, and progressively inspiring. In short, winning a game was seen to be not so much a matter of the biggest score or the fleetest of foot as it was the promotion, development, and conscious use of man's inherent spiritual qualities, which inevitably lead us to make even better use, or application, of whatever so-called physical ability we may possess.

The boys gained an entirely new and refreshing understanding of the term spiritual and saw its significance in their individual lives. Instead of thinking of the spiritual as nebulous, indefinite, or intangible, they began to see that it was something very real and comprehensible —"the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebr. 11:1)—something capable of being made useful through their increased study and understanding. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, expresses it thus in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 505): "Spiritual sense is the discernment of spiritual good. Understanding is the line of demarcation between the real and unreal. Spiritual understanding unfolds Mind,—Life, Truth, and Love,— and demonstrates the divine sense, giving the spiritual proof of the universe in Christian Science."

As the class was being dismissed, one of the boys shook hands with the teacher and said, "for the first time in my life I can now see how it is possible to use Christian Science not only in my schoolwork, but in my sports, and to do so in a practical way." And yet, in reaching that conclusion, or realization, the only thing necessary had been to clarify the boys' understanding of things spiritual by showing them in everyday terms how the truths of Christian Science are continually operating as law. They saw then that it is through our conscious understanding and application of these truths that we are able to bring them into our lives, thereby solving our everyday problems, whether those problems relate to sports, study, or some other phase of our existence.

Another point that was emphasized to the boys that day was the fact that as one consistently and earnestly applies the truths of Christian Science in his play as well as in his work, all with whom he is associated are benefited.

All we need do to avail ourselves of spiritual qualities is to start using them consciously and consistently in our daily lives, instead of handicapping ourselves by holding to the erroneous belief that we are denied such benefits and blessings. How simple and easy it is for anyone to express a little more faith in God, the only creator, a little more faith in his God-given ability to express faith. In like manner can he be more hopeful, more courageous, and more confident: more loving, honest, gentle, considerate, and patient with his fellow men: a little kinder, more sincere, truthful, and so on.

All these and main more similar characteristics, which we are so reach to admire in others, can become ours, serving us as profitably and effectively, if we will but see that because they originate in God, they are available to us. Then we have but to develop the simple habit of using them in our daily life. But when we permit mortal mind to tell us that we do not have these qualities and cannot get them, we are opening the door to discouragement and a sense of inferiority.

So often we are tempted to admire a personality instead of analyzing that personality to discover what spiritual qualities contribute to its excellence. Spirituality is not a coat to be worn only on special occasions. It is the consistent expression of those spiritual qualities and characteristics which God bestows on man and which constitute all attractiveness.

On page 14 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy has given us irrefutable evidence of the power of Spirit in these words: "Entirely separate from the belief and dream of material living, is the Life divine, revealing spiritual understanding and the consciousness of man's dominion over the whole earth. This understanding casts out error and heals the sick, and with it you can speak as one having authority.'" This consciousness of dominion comes only through the use and development of our spiritual qualities. As St. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (4:8), "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

It is the healing power of these qualities which makes spiritual growth and development practical and attractive.