Article October 3, 1953 Issue

TRUE STRENGTH

[Of Special Interest to Young People]

WILLIAM B. RITTERBUSCH

A Physical culture expert, widely known for his muscular physique, addressed an assembly of high school boys. His remarks dealt with the subject nearest to him, namely muscles, and the boys listened with close attention. They applauded him enthusiastically, asked for his autograph, and, cheering excitedly, surrounded his departing car. A few weeks later a businessman addressed the same assembly. His subject was on the things of the mind, and he gave the boys a helpful, substantial message. The boys listened and applauded politely, but not with as much enthusiasm as they had shown for the other speaker.

All admire strength in others and want to be strong themselves. This is desirable; but the need is to have the right understanding of what strength is. Christian Science reveals that spiritual strength, so useful in leadership in college or school, is not found in the body, but comes with spiritual growth. One demonstrates this spiritual-mindedness through an understanding of perfect God and perfect man. Through Christian Science one learns of the real.

These schoolboys, impressed by muscular physique, showed that they considered muscles to be the source of strength; but, in reality, material muscles have no power, for strength is not in matter. God, divine Mind, is the only power, and man, as His spiritual idea, possesses infinite power by reflection. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy states (p. 485): "To say that strength is in matter, is like saying that the power is in the lever. The notion of any life or intelligence in matter is without foundation in fact, and you can have no faith in falsehood when you have learned falsehood's true nature." All real cause and effect belongs to divine Mind. It is the divine Principle or law of God in operation which expresses power and strength. Everything real is Mind and Mind's reflection.

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