Article April 19, 1969 Issue

The Strength of Spirit

LESLIE C. BELL

We need strength at all times, but where does our strength, either moral or physical, come from? Where can we find strength in time of need? Is it something within ourselves to be summoned by exerting our will? Is it a property of matter? The answer is given in the words of the Psalmist: "Ascribe ye strength unto God....The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people."^{Ps. 68:34, 35;}

Christian Science reiterates the Bible teaching that God is Spirit, and it proves that in His allness is found every right idea, including strength. Strength is not found in matter or in human thinking. The strength of Spirit, God, is His active power unfolding His divine universe of spiritual ideas in infinite beauty and goodness. He does not have to use His strength to resist or endure evil, for there is nothing besides Him. Evil, in absolute fact, is neither real nor powerful, for Spirit, God, is omnipotent and omnipresent. The strength of Spirit is exercised in inexhaustible and unwearying support and maintenance of its limitless creation.

Man—spiritual, real man, the image and likeness of God—reflects the spiritual strength of God, and this is manifested in perfect health and soundness. There is no weakness in man because there is no weakness in God. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "The spiritual man's consciousness and individuality are reflections of God. They are the emanations of Him who is Life, Truth, and Love."^{Science and Health, p. 336;}