When I was a university student, the following words appealed greatly to me (II Tim. 2:15): "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." It was always my desire to excel in my studies. Therefore when I read these words with the enlightened understanding of the Bible that Christian Science gives, I understood better how to apply this truth in the preparation of my daily assignments.

"But," someone may complain, "I study my texts and prepare my lessons to the best of my ability, but I do not excel in them." This was indeed my experience before I began the study of Christian Science. Since then, early each morning, I have read and studied the current Lesson-Sermon from the Christian Science Quarterly, which includes Bible references with correlative explanatory passages from the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

In so doing, I have gradually learned that man, God's image and likeness, reflects God, "the great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence" (ibid., p. 587).

Since one of the synonyms for God is Truth, man, His likeness, must comprehend and express the truth concerning everything. I was aware of Christ Jesus' statement and promise to those who believed on him (John 8:31, 32), "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Instead of going fearfully to an examination, I now faced it armed with the true understanding of man's inheritance as God's idea.

And it has been my privilege to prove the presence of the divine Mind or intelligence many times since. Such an opportunity occurred when it became necessary to earn part of my college expenses. The duties involved were interesting and educational, but regular working hours were required daily.

These regular hours sometimes prevented me from obtaining from the university library certain assigned reference books. One particular course required a term paper with a bibliography. When I was finally free for study no books were available.

At first I was troubled about what to do. But in my work to show myself "approved unto God," I turned to Him, infinite divine intelligence, and endeavored to see myself as His reflection. The idea came to look in The Christian Science Monitor.

For a moment I hesitated, thinking that I must find my material in the university reference texts. Then an angel thought whispered that since divine Love had given me this idea, here was another opportunity to show myself approved. But to be absolutely sure, I went to the Christian Science Reading Room, took the Concordance to Science and Health and looked up the word "ideas." On page 505 I read the following: "God's ideas reflect the immortal, unerring, and infinite." There was the answer!

On going to the periodical room in the university library, I found in a copy of the Monitor the first of a series of articles dealing directly with the assigned subject. The series contained such an abundance of material that there was no thought of looking elsewhere. In fact, there was so much more than could be used that many helpful references were given to another member of the class for his paper. Great was my joy in finding the articles, yet it was even greater for the evidence of divine Love's ever-present help for every need.

When the time to make the bibliography drew near, I suddenly realized that I had no reference books to list. I had only The Christian Science Monitor as a reference. Yet the conviction that the term paper was complete gave me the courage to hand it in with the exact dates of the issues for the articles quoted. I knew that I had studied to show myself "approved unto God," and I was not afraid. Later I learned that my paper had received a high grade.

Another direct meeting of my need occurred during a final examination in a graduate psychology course which I was required to take. On reading over the questions, I found that they had no clear meaning for me; as I read on, my thoughts became more and more confused. Faithful preparation had been made, and yet no answers came.

After a few moments of turning my thoughts to God, I decided to telephone to a friend who was a Christian Science practitioner to ask for help. Because of the honor system then in use, there was no restriction against my leaving the room.

My friend asked me: "Do you believe those wonderful words in Science and Health (p. 468), 'All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all'?"

Quickly I answered in the affirmative. Then she reminded me that since Mind, God, is perfect and ever present, man, in His likeness, is His perfect manifestation now.

When I returned to the classroom, there was no more fear or doubt. The answer came instantly as each question was reread. Instead of fear, I felt only inspiration and gratitude. Once again my work received a high grade.

In both these experiences, I clearly saw that when we put God first, studying His word as a guide for each day's activities, we do not need to be ashamed or fearful of results.