Governance

VIOLET Z. HARMAN

The word "governance" is defined in a dictionary, in part, as the "manner or function of governing," and "function" as "the mode of action by which it fulfills its purpose."

In Christian Science we recognize God, divine Love, as Principle, Lawgiver, and governor. How, then, is God's purpose fulfilled? How does He govern?

God, Principle, is the very source of all good. By His natural law of good all that really exists is governed; and God, Mind, is the source of all spiritual ideas or thoughts. Thus, as we seek God's guidance, it is our duty to maintain a singleness and purity of thought which relinquished all worldly wisdom and material seeking, and which is open to receive only spiritual ideas. These spiritual ideas are our inspiration, guiding, guarding, and governing us. If we claim divine Love as our protector, then we must see Love as universal, thereby refusing to admit any hate, envy, or hypocrisy as a possibility. This refutation of evil as unreal is our protection.

A student of Christian Science felt that she was being guided to make a progressive change in her work, but thought that the time was not yet opportune. Material means were seemingly not adequate, and worldly wisdom counseled delay. On these grounds the first leading thought was not accepted. But circumstances unexpectedly changed, forcing her to give up the position she held. Immediately her prayer went up, "Whither, Lord?" and the answer came, "Friend, go up higher." Through accepting this loving message from the Father, she was very soon afterward directed to a place which was waiting for her, thus proving Mrs. Eddy's divinely inspired wisdom when she wrote (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 266), "When this hour of development comes, even if you cling to a sense of personal joys, spiritual Love will force you to accept what best promotes your growth."

Earnest students of Christian Science naturally wish to follow the behests of divine Mind. But what is it that prevents us from obeying the God-given impulse, and frequently delays our demonstration? Mrs. Eddy says (ibid., p. 182), "Obedience to material law prevents full obedience to spiritual law,—the law which overcomes material conditions and puts matter under the feet of Mind." We admit that God is omnipotent, and yet we are afraid to trust Him, because we cannot first see the outward manifestation of our reliance on His spiritual law. From this we deduce that implicit obedience is required of us, as sons of God; and this can be rendered only through attaining the Christlike qualities of humility, self-abnegation, fearlessness, and trust.

In the building up of this confidence, which is our stronghold, a great and beautiful faith is requisite. Hearken to these words from the epistle to the Hebrews, words which have been handed down through the ages and yet are so little used or understood: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Why ignore the practical value of the word "substance," which Christian Science teaches us is not material, but which is seen to be concrete when we have followed Jesus' instruction, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"?

God gives us His spiritual ideas. These ideas we must understand, accept, and obey with full confidence that this initial step, requiring faith, will lead to the unfolding of God's perfect plan for His child. Should we fail to trust Him implicitly at this crucial point, need we wonder at a delayed demonstration?

So fear must be overcome at all points. We must know that our heavenly Father does not give us matter—money, lands, or offices—for His currency is harmonious and progressive spiritual understanding.

We know that there is no retrogression under God's governance; neither can there be stagnation. So why not be more alert to the command, "Go forward"? To one having the true desire to go forward there is little or no fear. It is the fearful child who lags behind. What is it that enables the same child to take courage, cast off fear, and achieve? It is absolute confidence in the one all-powerful, all-loving Father, a losing of the false sense of human selfhood in the recognition of a higher wisdom.

Our Leader writes (ibid., p. 6), "Divine Love corrects and governs man;" and she says further, "God is not separate from the wisdom He bestows." How wonderful to know that we are traveling with God along the highway of life! What a privilege to know that we are governed and controlled by that one Mind, in which there is no confusion!

We shall find that our way is direct and unerring if we will only be obedient to the Word of God, as expressed in these words from a hymn:

"Word of God, O Word eternal,
May we hear thy living voice,
Learn the power of Love supernal,
Learn obedience,—and rejoice;
God's commands forever heeding,
Follow where His love is leading."

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