Spiritual progress includes the exercise of Christian attributes. We need to refrain from destructive criticism; cultivate gentleness, purity, self-immolation, humility; and love our neighbor as ourselves. God's demands also include letting go of material aims, acquisitiveness, and mad ambition. Putting God first is a prerequisite.

In answer to the question "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" Mrs. Eddy begins: "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit. Adhere to the divine Principle of Christian Science and follow the behests of God, abiding steadfastly in wisdom, Truth, and Love." ^{Science and Health, p. 495;} This is our guide.

Most individuals are happiest when they feel they are making or helping along progress of some sort, although many may view it from a more or less material standpoint. Improvements in government, new laws for helping and protecting individuals and society, efforts to find better ways of caring for the underprivileged and disadvantaged, for example—all are elements of human progress. Solutions to labor and management differences are more easily found and are progressive when each group is unselfishly concerned with the other's point of view as well as its own. But the only real and irreversible progress is based on spiritual growth. As Mrs. Eddy asserts: "Each successive period of progress is a period more humane and spiritual." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 26;}

The Bible abounds with examples of progress: When the children of Israel were ready to emerge from a state of slavery, they were shown how to cross the Red Sea and eventually enter the Promised Land. After a great struggle, Jacob progressed from duplicity and deceit to become the revered founder of the twelve tribes of Israel. Saul of Tarsus progressed from being a persecutor of Christians to be probably the most devoted of Christian advocates, and took the name of Paul.

Jesus taught that we cannot serve two masters—God and mammon. God, who is Spirit, is not cognizant of so-called material progress, but human progress may be a token of spiritual progress and follow it as a natural consequence. Mrs. Eddy states, "The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained through growth, not accretion; idleness is the foe of progress." On the same page she adds: "Growth is governed by intelligence; by the active, all-wise, law-creating, law-disciplining, law-abiding Principle, God. The real Christian Scientist is constantly accentuating harmony in word and deed, mentally and orally, perpetually repeating this diapason of heaven: 'Good is my God, and my God is good. Love is my God, and my God is Love.'" ^{ibid., p. 206;}

To grow out of the belief that man is physique, made up of material elements, into the understanding that he is the image and likeness of Spirit, God—this is progress. To advance beyond belief in a mind apart from God to the understanding of man's reflection of the one divine Mind—this is progress. To move forward from belief that life is in a material body, fettered either by sick-beliefs or health-beliefs, to the acceptance of the fact that life is not in body at all but in Soul—this is progress.

Man's true being is spiritual. If the belief in mortal existence were entirely destroyed, man would still be found eternally expressing the infinite nature of his divine source and his unity with that source. But at this stage of our development and understanding, progress unfolds step by step, with the less spectacular demonstrations of Principle.

Our right to progress is God-given; what is more, it is God's law. Since this is so, no adverse circumstances can prevent its fulfillment. God's law of progress annihilates all that is opposed to it: apathy, defeatism, discouragement, self-condemnation, and self-will. If we are trying to move forward without reference to spiritual development, we shall undoubtedly run into snags and have problems to overcome. Trials force us to progress.

What at times seems to block our advancement? Is it not the universally held belief in mortality? What is needed is disbelief in mortality and a better understanding of man's deathless being. The truth is that man in his true being does not progress from mortality to immortality. He is immortal now! He doesn't progress from materiality to spirituality. He is spiritual now!

The Bible states, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." ^{Ps. 138: 8.} If a stalemate seems to exist, this verse gives assurance that it has no reality or power, for God will take care of it. For God's beloved children—and we are all His children—progress is inevitable. Christ Jesus has given us the goal of perfection. His life provides us with the highest example of all to emulate.