In human experience, laws call for obedience. If the individual fails to obey them, he exposes himself to the penalties which result. Either one obeys the law, or he disobeys it. There is no halfway obedience or disobedience; neither can one obey a little of the law or much of it. It is all or nothing.

One mistake in the process of solving a problem in arithmetic makes it impossible to obtain the correct answer without first finding and correcting the error. The omission of a little leaven in the process of baking a cake results in failure. The dropping of a stitch in weaving or knitting results in an imperfect garment. In the experience of the giant Goliath, who held the Israelites in terror, one point not protected by his armor made him an easy prey to the stone and the sling of the shepherd boy, David.

Christian Science calls for absolute obedience to the moral and spiritual law. The adherent of this Science must put on the whole armor of Truth, the undivided garment of Christ, and thus find himself completely under the protection of divine law. Why? Because only through loyal and willing obedience to the whole law, as set forth in Christian Science, can he receive the abundant fruitage of spiritual sustainment which harmonizes his human experience.

In these days the temptations to break the spiritual and moral law are many and often subtle. It requires constant alertness on the part of the disciple to walk in the straight path of Truth.

Among these temptations is the one which whispers to an individual that he need not be concerned about disobedience in small things, such as the moral lapses which others engage in, the occasional or moderate use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, or the use of questionable practices—the white lie or the sharp, though legal, business transaction—in daily living, in business, home, or community.

One sometimes hears it said that a certain practice is all right as long as one "can get away with it" or that a mild indulgence can come to no harm, because one can easily resist the temptation to repeat it.

It should be remembered, however, that every divergence from the moral and spiritual law is an invasion of one's spiritual integrity, or true manhood, and lessens his ability to stand against the temptation to repeat the error. Christ Jesus said (Luke 16:10), "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."

The statement is sometimes made that there are worse practices than taking an occasional drink or engaging in some activity that is generally not in keeping with the teachings of Christian Science. Yet error is error, and truth is truth. And one lapse of obedience to God's law makes it an infraction of that law and brings a penalty. This fact is not a man-made rule but is itself an unfailing law of justice.

The indulgence of a false appetite brings suffering, although it may not be immediately evident because of its silent effect. Whatever diverges from the straight line of Spirit brings penalties.

Mary Baker Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 289), "Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, and evil cannot be used temperately: its slightest use is abuse; hence the only temperance is total abstinence." This statement applies to any of the temptations to engage, even moderately or occasionally, in any practice which draws one away from the straight line of Spirit.

It should be remembered that there is a spiritual reward resulting from obedience to God's law, which is quick and sure and which strengthens the individual's moral fiber. Such obedience increases his ability to withstand successfully the wiles of material sense and to enjoy enduring spiritual fruitage and satisfaction.

The Christian Scientist should always weigh the effects of his personal wishes and actions on his fellow men and on their concept of his religion. When one indulges in questionable practices, even to the least degree, he is setting an example for some less mature or weaker individual to follow. And the results are sometimes disastrous.

In a Communion address, our Leader writes (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 123), "Seeing that we have to attain to the ministry of righteousness in all things, we must not overlook small things in goodness or in badness, for 'trifles make perfection,' and 'the little foxes ...spoil the vines.'"

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet describes in these words the guidance which the Lord bestows upon His children (30:21): "Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

Blessed is the individual who consistently listens for the voice of the Christ and follows in the way of the righteous law of Spirit. He shall refrain from temptations, great or small, and shall be a blessing to all mankind as well as to himself.

Harold Molter