Higher and Higher

[Written Especially for Young People]

TERESE ROSE NAGEL

In an amateur athletic meet broadcast over a national radio network, it was announced that a world's record had been achieved in a pole-vaulting contest. The judge, in introducing the winner over the microphone, stated that he had not expected the athlete to exceed his last year's high championship record. Called to say a few words, the victorious contestant expressed no surprise at having attained this high goal, and in conclusion responded, "I always expect to go up higher and higher." He did not limit his future accomplishments.

Students of Christian Science can make such a statement with the same positiveness and assurance displayed by the athlete on this occasion, but with broader implications. The Christian Scientist bases his conviction of successful attainment not on mere self-confidence, human will, or physical determination. Though striving to bring about high results, he knows that his progress rests on his understanding of God, Principle, on the law of good, and its unvarying mode of operation. Through realizing the perfection of God and man, he establishes in consciousness high motives, aims, and ideals, and thus bases his thoughts and his actions on these standards. Through them he progresses and succeeds.

It is normal that young people should desire to rise in their chosen fields of activity, and they will do so in greater measure as they embody in thought co-operative rather than competitive motives. Mental and physical reservations and limitations are broken down and set aside as the superiority and supremacy of spiritual over physical power are maintained in thought. Holding to this grand purpose, there will be witnessed a greater unfoldment of strength, wisdom, freedom, and dominion. Mary Baker Eddy states in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 90), "Divest yourself of the thought that there can be substance in matter, and the movements and transitions now possible for mortal mind will be found equally possible for the body." We read in Psalms, "For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God I have leaped over a wall."

Through the prayerful daily and consecrated study of the Lesson-Sermon as found in the Christian Science Quarterly, of the Scriptures, and of the writings of Mrs. Eddy, the student of Christian Science will happily overcome any obstacle or obstruction which he may encounter on the way. As he imbibes the truths contained in these works and makes them practical in his daily experience, he finds himself on the road to more elevated thought and to wider vistas. The student is not so much concerned with the setting of a record as with making the acquaintance of God and of His image and likeness, man. Thus, as he recognizes his real self as the perfect expression and reflection of God, Mind, Principle, he is enabled to go higher and higher in his human pursuits. Building on a strong foundation of secure, uplifted, purified thought, he normally and naturally rises to greater mental heights with the result of spiritual growth and unfoldment. Mrs. Eddy states (ibid., p. 258), "God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis."

The successful athlete who had achieved the world's record must have laid aside much fear of failure and many suggestions of limitation and doubt. He must have replaced in some measure mortal impediments with the conviction and courage which had enabled him to reach his desired goal. We read in Jeremiah, "Set thee up waymarks, ... set thine heart toward the highway." It takes more than physical fearlessness and prowess to dispel suggestions of fear, doubt, obstruction, and failure.

Christian Science teaches that God is the source of all right activity, and that man is governed, guided, and controlled by Him. Through realization of the government of God, it becomes possible to deny all the generally prescribed bounds of custom and human laws which would urge disappointment and discouragement. Mrs. Eddy states (ibid., p. 394), "Knowledge that we can accomplish the good we hope for, stimulates the system to act in the direction which Mind points out."

Elasticity and flexibility of thought are gained through the childlikeness and humility which recognize God as the source of all action, strength, and power. The vitalizing, stimulating force of divine energy removes congestion, stricture, stagnation, stoppage, and undue pressure. God's man cannot be held in the grasp of matter or materialistic beliefs. As we attain spiritual consciousness—the consciousness which expresses God—we shall rise higher and higher in untrammeled liberty and find that we have perfect control over every material circumstance and condition. In a well-loved hymn we read (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 93):

In perfect peace, with tumult stilled,
Enhavened where no storms arise,
There man can work what God hath willed;
The joy of perfect work his prize.

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