Article May 22, 1971 Issue

You Don't Have to Drink!

SHARON SLATON HOWELL

To many people, the occasional social drink goes with their gaining acceptance and advancement in the world of business. Drinking at office parties is virtually an unquestioned practice in many firms. Consequently, those who might prefer to abstain from alcoholic beverages, fearing the disapproval of their employer or possibly the loss of position, simply yield to prevailing custom. But what of the person who is determined to withstand the pressures to drink socially? Can adherence to higher standards hinder his acceptance and success in the business world? Definitely not!

Through the study of Christian Science, which reveals man as the spiritual child of God, one is equipped to meet such challenging situations with poise and dominion. The student learns to view his real selfhood, and that of all men, as the reflection of God, divine Mind. This spiritual selfhood, never subject to mortal laws of fear, limitation, or injustice, is always under God's loving jurisdiction. Because there is only one Mind, there can be no conflicting human wills, no collision of one with another. As Mrs. Eddy states, "Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs, and that in Science man reflects God's government."^{Science and Health, p. 393;}

Our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, said of his obedience to his Father, "I do always those things that please him."^{John 8:29;} All that one, as God's child, ever needs to do is what is pleasing to Him. Man has only one obligation, one employer to satisfy, and as an individual expresses moral courage, intelligence, and conformance to spiritual good in daily life, he is being about his Father's business. The spiritual activity of manifesting God's qualities is changeless, rewarding, and harmonious in every aspect, continuously under divine law.