Article June 23, 1986 Issue

Discipline and harmonious living

THOMAS RICHARD MITCHINSON

I spent my high-school and college years performing as a clarinetist. My life was benefited by the discipline and joy afforded me through that study. During this time my commitment to the study of Christian Science deepened, and I was thrilled to see that Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, discusses music and harmony in her writings.

For example, she tells us in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "The realization that all inharmony is unreal brings objects and thoughts into human view in their true light, and presents them as beautiful and immortal. Harmony in man is as real and immortal as in music. Discord is unreal and mortal." Science and Health, p. 276.

The study of music taught me four basic essentials for playing the music properly: obedience, alertness, practice, and confidence. Christian Science taught me that these qualities are equally indispensable in demonstrating our harmonious relationship to God. Obedience, alertness, practice, and confidence are not, however, somewhere waiting to be discovered. They are natural to each one of us, the exercise of a God-given gift. Since they are spiritually derived, no one has more ability than another to be obedient and alert, to put truth into practice, and to be confident. Each of us in truth expresses God, and we can listen for His guidance as to how we are to act. The ability is God-given, and the follow-through to harmony is part of our inheritance from our Father-Mother God.

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