Opportunity to progress is always at hand
How reassuring it is to know that our progress is never dependent on outside circumstances, but always dependent on God.
Think for a moment. Can you imagine, if your goal in life were to become a major league baseball player, what it would be like to have nowhere to play? Or think of a music student looking forward to an important piano audition. How would that individual feel if suddenly there were no piano available to practice on? Then think of the satisfying, hopeful, and productive feelings that are experienced when people are given opportunities to accomplish their goals.
How wonderful it is to know that opportunities to progress are always at hand, when we realize that our real purpose in life is to learn of our true relationship to God and all that implies. It doesn't matter if we're putting together an important business deal, teaching a child how to tie his or her shoelaces, or studying for a final examination. Christian Science shows us that underlying every task, thought, and word we speak is a mandate to glorify God.
Since that is our biggest job in life and, in reality, our only job, it is grand indeed to know we can make strides toward that achievement every moment of every day. Our opportunities to express Godlike qualities are ever at hand. We must be careful not to be overwhelmed with the challenges we face. We can begin by being as grateful for the lessons we are learning as a young baseball player is for the chance to practice the game as often as possible.
Didn't Christ Jesus tell us, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"? Matt. 5:48 . To bring out perfection in anything requires much practice. Our demonstration of God's perfection in human life requires effort and willingness to change. Underlying and supporting our practical steps is the scientific fact that man is already perfect because God made him so. Jesus would not insist that we strive to achieve something we are incapable of. He knew that man is already what God made him to be—spiritual and perfect. In reality, we are not then trying to attain perfection, but we are striving to demonstrate our present God-given perfection as the sons and daughters of God.
Another way to think of this might be to consider the American baseball star Willie Mays. Wasn't he always capable of becoming a great player? His abilities and potential were always a part of him. He did not create them. He did, however, have to develop and mature into what he must have recognized at some point he was capable of. In other words, doesn't a great athlete have to discover his or her ability to be great and then set about to prove it? Christly perfection is obtainable only if we believe and understand that this perfection is possible.
A false sense of ourselves as being separate from God would keep us from letting go of any imperfect models of who we are. This false, material sense of self is what Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, termed mortal mind. It is the same concept the Apostle Paul spoke of when he talks of putting off "the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" and putting on "the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Eph. 4:22, 24 . It is our duty and right to seek the spiritual understanding that enables us to put off this so-called "mortal mind" or "old man" and bring to light our true, spiritual being created in God's perfect image.
We can find much to support a growing understanding of our true identity by studying the works and words of Christ Jesus and the disciples. A book by Mrs. Eddy has helped many people explore the practical meaning of Christ Jesus' teachings: Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. It serves as a rich exposition on man's perfection and perfectibility. The Bible tells us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." II Tim. 3:16, 17 . In a short article entitled "Obedience," Mrs. Eddy states, "Evil is impotent to turn the righteous man from his uprightness." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 119 .
The transformation we seek in such a study is not merely to become better humanly. Such study, if done with a sincere desire to know and do the will of God, constitutes true redemption and reformation. It spiritualizes thought and manifests itself in good and right living. It brings about real, deep, and lasting change in our lives. It brings healing, moral and physical. To know God correctly and obey His word is to align ourselves with His attributes, His love, and His power. In this way we come to know ourselves better as God's perfect man, never lacking what we need in order to overcome what would appear to be a barrier to solving our problems.
Many times lack of progress could be an unwillingness on our part to change and grow, or an ignorance that we have the God-given ability to do this. Whenever our prayers seem unanswered, it may be helpful to look within and be sure we are really ready to part with the "old man" and his comfortable ways.
The suggestions were strong that what she was going through was too difficult, that the price was too high.
Once, when a student of Christian Science was going through a period of great change, she began to experience a rather serious and painful physical condition. A Christian Science practitioner (a person who dedicates his or her life to the public practice of spiritual healing) encouraged her not to be discouraged. The practitioner reassured her that the situation she was in, although challenging, was also a tremendous opportunity for growth.
On one hand, the woman wanted to go forward. On the other hand, it was as if mortal mind were resisting the change that was certainly taking place in her thought. As this individual began to realize her potential to accomplish something truly significant, the suggestions were very strong that what she was going through was too difficult, that the price was too high, and that perhaps she just wasn't ready.
She began to realize that the physical pain was associated with the fear and anxiety she was feeling. As she let go of the old ways of trying to will things to happen and stopped trying to control God's plan for her, the pain subsided. She began to pray to want the good that God was offering at every moment and to realize that with God's will comes no pain or strain. She prayed to stop seeing herself as a mind separate from the divine Mind, God. She prayed to keep from being mesmerized by the suggestions of complacency and disability. She affirmed her perfection as a child of God.
Although there had been many quick healings in this person's experience, this particular disorder took many months to heal. There was, however, steady progress, which appeared to be in proportion to her growing reliance on God as the source of her strength, her capability, and her health.
She studied the Bible and the aforementioned works of Mrs. Eddy diligently, and with the help of the practitioner she lost very few days of work. The rewards for using this experience as an opportunity to learn more about God and man's relationship to Him were manifold. Not only was health restored but there was growth in grace, increased ability to be of help to others, and a career advancement that could not have been humanly outlined.
Mrs. Eddy tells us, "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing." Ibid., p. 230 . Most of us will never earn a place in baseball's Hall of Fame. Very few will ever compose a world-famous symphony. But isn't it wonderful to realize that our individual success depends on what we make of the opportunities to prove that we are as perfect and spiritual as God made us. We must be grateful for these chances to improve, rather than begrudge them. They can bring richness and progress to our lives.
