"Let no man despise thy youth"

[Written Especially for Young People]

ELOISE PATTILLO HENDRICK

Sometimes young people are tempted to believe that by reason of their youthfulness they are at a disadvantage in several respects, such as in establishing themselves in business or in other departments of experience. This, however, is a fallacy that need not deceive anyone. Christian Science shows that the immaturity which mortal belief attaches to youth is unknown to Spirit, God, whereas freshness and spontaneity, which characterize youth, are forever perfectly expressed in the man of God's creating. These spiritual qualities belong to all God's children, unlimited by false beliefs of age and limitation. St. Paul once wrote to Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Therefore, all can remove the hindrances or false beliefs often associated with youth, such as carelessness, incompetence, lack of wisdom or application, absorption in self and trivialities, a false sense of values, and a fondness for the false attractions of materiality. These errors cease to deceive those who are faithfully striving to know their true identity, in the likeness of God, and to reject and avoid the various arguments that they are subject to immaturity and limitation. Spontaneity, vigor, simplicity, innocence, directness, and receptivity are among the eternal, timeless attributes of spiritual existence, and, when understood, they are continuously expressed in experience. To claim these qualities because they are imparted by God, is the joyous, freedom-bestowing opportunity of every Christian Scientist. The utilization of these spiritual facts brings a greater freedom for accomplishment and success, while furnishing needed discipline for character building.

Mrs. Eddy defines "man" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 591) as "the compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind." Understanding the fact that God's man expresses spiritual perfection enables one successfully to fill his position with efficiency and poise. One student of Christian Science, just out of Sunday school, was elected to a responsible church office involving duties for which he had had no previous experience or training. Immediately came the suggestion that he was too young to undertake such a task, but this was denied and an effort made to claim his God-given heritage of intelligence and ability. For several years, this position afforded him many opportunities to serve the Cause of Christian Science, and he was humbly grateful that the work was performed to the satisfaction of all concerned.

To follow Paul's admonition to be "an example ... in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" demands that one keep his consciousness open only to thoughts of purity and goodness. Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health, p. 62), "Children should be allowed to remain children in knowledge, and should become men and women only through growth in the understanding of man's higher nature." The increase of one's knowledge, then, is rightfully in the direction "of man's higher nature," in cultivating the understanding of spiritual selfhood, and never towards an acquaintance with evil. This does not mean that it is right to ignore evil, for the comprehension of the supremacy of good requires and enables one not only to resist false tendencies but to overcome them for himself and for others. Any inclination that leads one to attach undue emphasis to worldly success or to be cynical or apathetic towards spiritual values should be rejected. The alert student will not be deluded by any suggestions designed to lessen his spiritual growth.

Mortal mind constantly tempts us to believe that there is pleasure or benefit to be gained through questionable practices, and that to be sophisticated or worldly-wise is a great asset. Sophistication, however, is not characteristic of the simplicity and purity necessary to follow the Master. To be wise, to be abreast of the times, alert, poised, and effective is right, and represents a goal worthy of achievement. To be versed in erroneous and materialistic ways and means, however, is neither profitable nor useful; it is a mistaken attitude of thought, which must some day be unlearned and destroyed.

Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, Pref., pp. ix, x), "The fleeting freshness of youth, however, is not the evergreen of Soul; the coloring glory of perpetual bloom; the spiritual glow and grandeur of a consecrated life wherein dwelleth peace, sacred and sincere in trial or in triumph." This "glory of perpetual bloom" is an impartial heritage of all God's children. Because it is of God, it is an integral, indispensable quality of God's man, by reflection, to be cherished and safeguarded.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit