Article April 4, 1988 Issue

The value of practice

Can spirituality be practiced? Where and how do we begin?

Charles T. Allison

Someone inquiring about Christian Science may ask, "What is meant by 'the practice' of your religion?" "What are you practicing?" A good answer might be that practice is putting prayer into action. It is knowing and proving God's ever-present law of universal good. Practice is the proof that God embraces humanity and uplifts and guides our lives.

Our daily encounters with others, whether in business, home, or church, provide an excellent proving ground for practice. Why is this true? Because in these activities we learn the value of spiritual understanding, discipline, and love and the human need for them. We also find a necessity for a greater depth of affection and alert watching. In these contacts we discover there should be a balance between reading, or the study of the Word, and the all-important practice of the Word—the evidence of it in our lives. The contemporary world becomes our workshop, whatever our assignment in life. It is not the mere mouthing of words that counts but the total willingness to exercise compassion, mercy, and forgiveness—the qualities Christ Jesus so generously expressed to friend and foe alike.

In my work I had many opportunities to practice Christian Science. My duties involved gaining the legal rights for a large utility to build their facilities over mountains, through fields, and within cities. This brought me in touch with a wide variety of people and challenges. On occasion it was my assignment to settle disputes and problems related to this work. I felt that fulfilling these duties was the practice of my understanding of God. Over the years remarkable adjustments took place. Hostile attitudes were healed when I did my best to live and put into practice what I had learned through my study of the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy.

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We can choose life
April 4, 1988
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