A young civil engineer, after a season of unemployment, was given the privilege of entering into a competitive test with a group of men of similar qualifications, and in due time he was informed that he had been selected for an important position. He learned that he had been chosen because of a reputation for thoroughness and dependability; and he was told that in the work before him he would be expected to attain certain results within a given time. Because he had hitherto been found dependable, he had been given this further opportunity to demonstrate that the confidence placed in his work had not been misdirected. In this experience the engineer learned that a thorough technical knowledge of his profession, important though that might be, did not constitute all the requirements of his task, and that in this, as well as in every line of work, there is a demand for the services of reliable, dependable workers.

In the understanding and demonstration of Christian Science, this element of certainty and security is developed. To take a firm stand for our highest sense of what is right and to be able to overcome material resistance of any kind require that our mental footing be secure. Certainty and security are not realized if the foundation whereon we stand is as quicksand. The Christian Scientist knows the spiritual basis whereon he stands. In Truth he has a firm foundation.

The engineer had proved this conclusively, demonstrating that he could safely rely upon divine Principle, Mind, which governs all. As a student of and worker in those branches of human knowledge termed material science, he had acquired an understanding of certain fundamental facts which were believed to govern every step in the practice of his profession. As a student of Christian Science, he had attained to a higher understanding and worked according to the rules of divine Science, the Science of which there is one divine Principle. He worked according to the Science of Mind or Truth. He realized that Mind is ever present; and as he worked he strove to be always conscious of the fact that he was being governed by Principle, the one Mind, and also that in the task before him every element entering into his work which reflected reality was likewise governed by Mind. Hence, the progress of his work was certain to be harmonious.

He had learned that spiritual man is sustained by God, divine Principle, Love, and so knew that from this source one derives the necessary strength for the performance of one's work, the wisdom whereby the work may be planned and supervised, the power for carrying the work forward to completion. In making the necessary designs he knew that he reflected the wisdom, judgment, and discernment which emanate from Mind. His work displayed right proportion because it had been developed through spiritual understanding and fidelity to Love, the source of all harmonious action. In these demonstrations of wisdom, strength, and beauty he proved the Principle of this Science to be divine.

Thus the engineer applied his understanding of divine Principle in the conduct of his work. So does each student of Christian Science apply to his own particular calling a like understanding. He knows that God is All-in-all; that God and His ideas are never separated; that God and the universe of His ideas comprise all that really exists, leaving no place for discord, sin, disease, lack, or any of the erroneous beliefs to which the human mind gives credence.

The engineer was able to fill this position because of previous preparation. Even so, in the experience of each day, the Christian Scientist strengthens his mental position by daily studying and pondering spiritual truth; by denying the alleged reality of evil; by filling his consciousness with knowledge of ever present and omnipotent good and of the sufficiency of divine Love.

Having placed ourselves upon this firm spiritual footing, we face in the direction toward which true progress is to be made. That direction is definitely known and understood. We stand for that which is definite, specific. We understand what it is, and why it is worth standing for. We learn how to overcome any seeming resistance which, if permitted to do so, would hinder our spiritual progress or remove us from our established position in Truth. In taking our stand for Principle we are not alone. Elijah, admitting a sense of discouragement, believed that of those faithful to God he alone remained. At this point he learned that seven thousand stood faithful and had not bowed down to Baal.

Firmness in standing for a right cause does not necessarily involve argument or hostility. Rather, it is a matter of right thinking and of consequent right living, day by day. The world seeks the upright in heart; and as the individual consciousness reflects the one creator, that reflection is recognized by one's fellow men. Many are saying every day, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Our daily demonstration is often appreciated by and has an influence upon those whom we suppose to be the least interested in or affected by our example and mode of life.

Taking a firm stand for the truth as a student of Christian Science necessitates alertness in guarding against erroneous thinking, in rejecting any suggestion or form of thought that is untrue, unscientific, discordant. It means standing as God's child, undisturbed and unafraid, unaffected by the mortal beliefs which might be permitted to work sad havoc if not promptly rejected at the door of thought.

In view of this all-embracing Science, which is ours if we but study, understand, and apply its rules, it is imperative that we "consecrate existence, not 'to the unknown God' whom we 'ignorantly worship,' but to the eternal builder, the everlasting Father, to the Life which mortal sense cannot impair nor mortal belief destroy" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 428). Let it be our constant endeavor to serve, even as did our revered Leader, who said of herself (ibid., p. 99), "I love mankind, and shall continue to labor and to endure."

In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul said: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness."