Article April 19, 1982 Issue

Freedom from compulsive behavior

SUE A. SPOTTS

The feeling that one simply cannot prevent himself from behaving in a particular manner often accompanies wrongdoing. Longing to do the right thing and yet somehow being unable to muster the necessary self-control in times of temptation, one can well understand these words of St. Paul: "The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do."^{Rom. 7:19.}

Many efforts have been made in recent years to deal with compulsive behavior through counseling, special regimens, therapy, and self-help programs. Paul, however, found the true way to freedom from the seeming necessity for sin, and he credited "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"^{8:2 .} with this freedom. Christian Science teaches that this same law of God is as present and operable today as it was in Paul's time. Fear of wrongdoing that causes more wrongdoing that causes more fear ad infinitum suggests a law apart from God's law. But being unsustained by Truth, God, neither fear nor sin is a real law or legitimate demand on us. The understanding that man is spiritual and that God's law is the only law governing him heals compulsive behavior and establishes the right perception of action as the prerogative of divine Principle alone. Mrs. Eddy writes, "God's law is in three words, 'I am All;' and this perfect law is ever present to rebuke any claim of another law."^{No and Yes, p. 30.}

Human law is subject to violation or transgression. But divine Love's law, the law that Christ Jesus demonstrated in reforming the sinner and healing the sick, is not human; it is divine. It is the force of Mind, maintaining man's harmony and perfection; the energy of Soul, confirming man's absolute infallibility. As such, divine law cannot be broken or transgressed.

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