Article September 1, 1956 Issue

"THE GREAT ATTAINMENT"

VIOLA C. ROWE

"Success " is a word that has widely differing meanings to different people. To some, it means the achievement of a certain material standard of living, while to others, it means the acceptance of nothing less than fame and fortune as indications of success. The Christian Scientist, knowing that it is divinely natural for each one to be successful in all righteous activity, has yet another measuring rod, since neither worldly goods nor acclaim can ensure happiness, health, or peace of mind.

Christ Jesus, who, by his own admission, came to give us a more abundant life, counseled (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." How closely the statement of Mary Baker Eddy parallels that of Jesus. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 428), "To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,—this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true." Here is the way to success, with no aftereffects of disillusionment.

Among the falsehoods which must be swept away in preparation for any successful endeavor is the belief that unprincipled methods are sometimes unavoidable in reaching a desired goal. David had this world's treasures in great abundance, but, referring to God, he acknowledged (Ps. 18:35), "Thy gentleness hath made me great." When we understand the undeviating nature of God and of man as His complete and perfect likeness, we find that stress and strain as well as unwise ambitions are eliminated. In the gentle adhesion and cohesion of divine ideas there is no friction, no human so-called pull, no grasping competition, for each idea is seen to be conceived and supported by Love.

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
APPRECIATION
September 1, 1956
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit