The Bible contains many narratives which inspire us, strengthen our faith, and help us to prove the truth. One of these is the beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi.

Upon a casual reading, this narrative may seem to be but a pleasing tale of affection and loyalty; but when studied in the light with which Christian Science illumines the Scriptures, we find much more in it. Ruth was not clinging to personality. Naomi had apparently been to her a messenger of Truth, one from whom she had learned of the one true God. Turning from her idols to the God whom Naomi worshiped, she determined that nothing should separate her from the messenger who reflected this light to her. Was not Ruth longing for a greater understanding of the one true God and for the companionship of those who had found the way of Truth and could help her therein?

Mortal sense tried to argue that she should remain and seek a home and companionship amidst her old surroundings; that if she followed Naomi into a strange country she would be unable to find happiness or supply. But without hesitation Ruth made her choice. Courageously she left her people, left the sense of security in matter, renounced false beliefs and false gods, and went forth with trusting confidence that the God of Israel would be willing and able to provide for all her needs.

Arriving in Bethlehem, the native town of Naomi, Ruth became a gleaner, one of those humble people to whom was given the right to follow after the reapers and gather the grain which had fallen or been overlooked. This material gleaning, however, had been preceded by a period in which Ruth had been a gleaner of spiritual ideas. From her companionship with Naomi she had doubtless gleaned wisdom, courage, loving trust, and faithfulness. On page 307 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, tells us, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." The truth underlying these words was proved in the experience of Ruth, who found a home, companionship, happiness, and abundant supply for all her needs. Thus she proved the law which Jesus stated several hundred years later when he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Every Christian Scientist has spiritual experiences similar to those of Ruth. Like her, he must leave behind him all false gods and false beliefs. He must cease to look for power, security, or happiness in matter. As Ruth clung to Naomi, accepting the one true God, so must the Christian Scientist cling to the spiritual understanding of God and man. Our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, says on page 495 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not."

To cling steadfastly to the truth when mortal sense testifies to error can be done only as one becomes a true gleaner of spiritual ideas. He must glean enough humility to admit that he has no intelligence, mind, or power of his own apart from God; that God is the only Life and Mind. He must glean patience with himself and with those about him. He must learn to overcome hate, envy, resentment, irritability, malice, fear—all the errors of thought that conspire against happiness and peace. Above all, he must acquire an unselfed love. And as his thought becomes filled with Truth and Love, he will bring forth in his daily life the spiritual fruits of holiness, health, happiness, and supply.