Article June 26, 1954 Issue

SEEKING HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

HELEN LUCY VEATCH SUTHERLAND

Christian Science reveals man's relationship to the Father as a spiritual idea, one with Mind, its creator. To establish this in human consciousness as a demonstrable truth requires the overcoming of the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some students of Science, having been awakened through great suffering, advance quickly in their understanding because they readily see the undesirability, therefore the unreality, of evil's claims. They are thus prepared to accept the understanding of good which heals and regenerates. Others, owing to certain tenacious mortal mind beliefs, such as self-will, self-justification, and self-righteousness, cling to some error or belief which to them seems desirable or necessary.

But when the human consciousness yields to the divine, the command, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matt. 6:33), takes on a higher meaning. Sometimes the error which has seemed to delay spiritual progress is the inclination to define righteousness according to one's own personal ideals, preferences, or limitations rather than to recognize it as complete uprightness.

At one time an earnest student of this Science became appalled at the self-righteousness she believed that she saw in others who were critical of those who indulged in false appetites. Realizing that it is always Truth which uncovers error, she was soon ready to admit that the fault which appeared to be in others she must correct in her own consciousness in order to maintain the right concept of man. Losing thus a sense of personal condemnation, always at the root of self-righteousness, she recognized that much love, compassion, generosity, and understanding were expressed by many persons who appeared to be victims of so-called false appetites. She remembered Jesus' saying (Matt. 9:13), "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," and recalled how formerly she had looked with scorn and contempt on such as these, only because she herself had not become a victim.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
ONLY GOOD IS CATCHING
June 26, 1954
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit