Steadfast Faith

HELEN D. WENTWORTH

An ever increasing faith, unhampered by doubts or fears, accomplishes much in the attainment of that state of harmony toward which all mankind is striving. Mortals are prone to limit the omnipotence of God by doubt both in thought and in speech. Through the careful study of Christian Science it is made clear that doubt is not of God's creating and is unknown to Him. It is also made clear that doubt and fear result from lack of faith.

If in their experiences such characters as Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and many others, had entertained any doubt whatsoever as to the all-power of God, the result would have been far different from those which the Bible narratives set forth. The three Hebrew subjects of King Nebuchadnezzar had progressed to such a stage of fearless, undoubting faith in God that they were able to pass unharmed through the fiery furnace. So perfect was their demonstration of the protecting power of God that not even "the smell of fire had passed on them."

In his epistle to the Romans, Paul beautifully expressed his faith when he said, "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." And he proved that his knowledge of this fact was effective even in the physical realm, so called, for in his own experience the sting of the poisonous viper was rendered harmless.

The perfect example of confidence was given by Christ Jesus. His undeviating faith in God is an inspiration to sin-darkened humanity. His teachings are a clarion call to mankind to free itself from the fetters of fear and doubt which are of its own making. His unequivocal statements leave no doubt as to the way in which to follow him in the straight and narrow path. His knowledge of God had a firm foundation, and his reasoning was so logical that no arguments of doubt could weaken his faith.

The primary condition which he demanded of all was obedience to the commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This "first and great commandment" leaves no room for doubt. Faith, as Jesus presented it, is allied to obedience, by which mankind benefits both mentally and physically. He said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." The beneficial results of true faith were shown in our Master's words to the leper who returned to give thanks for his healing, "Thy faith hath made thee whole."

In our day and age appeared another who exemplified unlimited faith in God, faith which, when adopted by all mankind, will mean the transformation, spiritualization, and salvation of the whole world. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, was so receptive to God's truth, so unselfish in her love for all mankind, so humanly self-effacing, that she was able to receive, and to give forth to all humanity, the divine revelation of Christian Science,—Christ Jesus' own teachings being again brought to light. Her discovery is unfolding a broader knowledge of God and a higher appreciation of man's true relationship to Him. It is teaching, even as Jesus taught, and in a manner adaptable to all ages, a practical faith based on a clearer concept of man as the reflection of God; and the effects of such faith are beneficial in an unlimited variety of ways.

Through true faith in God the sick and the sinning are released from their erroneous material beliefs. The practical application of faith is very clearly set forth by Mrs. Eddy in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 210), where she says, "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them." Father on in the same message she makes plain the beneficial effects of such mental discipline, thus: "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited."

If those whose thoughts are filled with doubts and fears will but turn to God with courage and faith, even during life's darkest hours, they will steadily progress toward that "peace of God, which passeth all understanding," of which Paul writes.

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