The One Power

LAURA TOTTEN YODER

A Careful analysis of the meaning of the word "power," as understood in Christian Science, reveals it as signifying something far beyond temporal personal authority or governmental control.

There is in reality but one true power, and that is the power of good. That which does not measure up to the standard of good, in either individuals or nations, is not power. No one ever fears good, and there is no other real power. All that is good, and only that which is good, endures in every nation.

The power of good is supreme, impartial, impersonal. It stands over and above all, and includes all. It is the unalterable law of God, which no individual or nation can overthrow or overpower. This law of good has always existed. It stands, regardless of the human divisions of race, color, creed, or sect. It is universal in its scope.

The law of God, good, is the spiritual law which Jesus perceived and understood so well, and with which he counseled all to comply. To him, God's good law was supreme, under all circumstances. It was the law of "our Father which art in heaven." He understood this law of good to be ever present, ever operative, and he himself conformed to it to such a degree that he was enabled to prove his complete mastery of mortal beliefs.

Mary Baker Eddy also recognized this fact, and in "Rudimental Divine Science" (p. 1) she defines Christian Science as "the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony." There is no other law to supersede this law.

The mistaken belief that there is another power besides the one infinite good is without foundation; and through Christian Science it is being proved unreal. Evil has no real origin, no foundation, no law. Good is one—primitive, universal. It is invariable, indestructible, eternal. It is the continuous fact of reality. No one can ever be beyond the scope of good.

Were all individuals of all nations to turn to the one supreme power of good, controlling all their thoughts, words, and actions accordingly, there would be no strife. In the one perfect creation of the one infinitely good Mind, as revealed in Christian Science, wherein effect is like unto cause, there is no conflict. There is nothing conflicting in infinite Truth.

To see all reality as under the control, under the conscious government, of the one Mind is to know that "one infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself'" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 340). Foreseeing the coming of the Christ, Isaiah said, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Love is supreme under all circumstances. This applies alike to individuals and to groups. There is no higher power.

In warfare the loss, humanly speaking, always out-measures any seeming gain. May all nations enlarge their mental borders to include kindliness, consideration, tolerance, mercy, and justice, all of which are phases of the one good. Then there will be no disputes over material possessions or boundaries.

Strife is never the work of God; it is unknown to God, good. It is never actually a material situation. It is a mental conflict of human wills and opinions, and its toll is heavy Evil is not person, place, or thing; it is illusion, and it is not necessary for mankind to experience suffering in order to awaken from the illusion.

All nations and all individuals may turn in thought to the one infinite God, good, for guidance and protection from false methods. There should never be destruction of an individual, but, rather, the elimination of destructive thoughts and tendencies. "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." This indicates the triumph of the divine idea, for there is no destructive element in true consciousness, no sinister influence in Mind.

In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," under the subject, "How Strife May be Stilled," our Leader has given us many helpful instructions, among which is the following (p. 279): "God is Father, infinite, and this great truth, when understood in its divine metaphysics, will establish the brotherhood of man, end wars, and demonstrate 'on earth peace, good will toward men."

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