Article October 30, 1976 Issue

Progress—It's God's Law

VIRGINIA ATHERTON WATSON

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;}