Editorial October 25, 1952 Issue

OBEDIENCE

Richard J. Davis

Throughout her writings Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has much to say on the subject of obedience. She lovingly demanded and expected the obedience of her students and followers because she knew that in absolute conformity to the law of God lay the certainty of all spiritual progress. She also saw that unwillingness to accept her teaching fully would necessarily prevent its successful demonstration in healing the sick and sinning. For this reason it is clear that for the earnest student there can be no divided allegiance—no dependence upon both Spirit and matter—and no mental reservations about her teachings.

If one would demonstrate success in healing himself or others, he naturally must obey the rules which Mrs. Eddy lays down in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," rules by which she herself demonstrated the truth of her discovery. Complete reliance upon Spirit and joyous submission to the will of God are the substance of all spiritual devotion and obedience. Referring to this, Mrs. Eddy writes in her textbook (p. 183): "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power."

The lives of Christ Jesus and our beloved Leader present striking examples of selfless obedience to the will of God. Indeed in that very selflessness lay the secret of their great accomplishment for mankind. The sincere Christian Scientist is constantly endeavoring to conform his thinking to the will of God, not merely because it is desirable or advisable, but because he loves good, loves God, because he is demonstrating that good is the only real attraction. Spiritual love and obedience to Principle go hand in hand. The Psalmist must have gained a clear perception of that fact when he wrote (Ps. 119:97–112): "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.... I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.... I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end."

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