A Firm Foundation

MARGUERITE VON NEUFVILLE

When Jesus asked his disciples, "Whom say ye that I am?" Peter replied, acknowledging him as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." This spiritual recognition was blessed by Jesus, who said, "Upon this rock I will build my church."

On page 35 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy declares, "Our church is built on the divine Principle, Love." As a synonym for God, Principle shows us the firm foundation from which all good proceeds; it gives us the conviction of absolute certainty, surety, and stability. Principle is and must forever be unchanging; it cannot be shaken, perverted, or reversed. It operates unceasingly through its eternal laws, and human opinions and speculations cannot touch or alter it. This firm foundation is the rock on which "our church is built." Church is indeed a sanctuary in which all may find security, a refuge from the woes of materialism. In "the secret place of the most High," the consciousness of good, holiness, health, happiness, all the glories of heaven, are intact.

"Church," which Mrs. Eddy defines, in part, as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (Science and Health, p. 583), holds without measure the living waters of Truth; here we can draw forever and be refreshed and strengthened.

In the next paragraph Mrs. Eddy further defines "Church" as "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." The understanding of God's allness, of Love's absolute supremacy, enables us to serve our Cause in humility. Of old the Levites, designated to serve God, had to devote their lives to Him entirely, to sanctify themselves before they could enter into the holy place in the temple. So must we approach our service in our church, not with worldly wisdom and merely intellectual study of the letter, but by reflecting Spirit, by turning from material methods and, as little children, trusting the divine wisdom and guidance which are revealed to all who learn to be still, and to listen to the voice of God.

Service in a material way, even with the best of intentions, is not true or spiritual service. This is illustrated in the story of David, when he wanted to bring the ark up to Jerusalem. As related in Chronicles, remembering that God had appointed the Levites to carry the ark, David called them and said, "Sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it." When we remember that Mrs. Eddy defines "ark," in part, as "safety; the idea, or reflection, of Truth, proved to be as immortal as its Principle; the understanding of Spirit, destroying belief in matter" (Science and Health, p. 581), we see that God works through spiritual, not material methods, and that the Most Holy cannot be approached through materiality.

How often do we in our zeal to serve God overlook the right way in which service should be given! God is Spirit, and He must be served spiritually, not materially. As we first sanctify ourselves and humbly seek God through the Christ, Truth, all needed human steps will unfold naturally and in orderly manner.

The Christian Science church, founded on the rock, Christ, the understanding of Christ-healing, cannot be controlled by human theories, beliefs, and methods. Therefore, if we regard it as a material organization, needing human support or protection, then confusion, uncertainty, and discord follow. Worldly wisdom and policy cannot be brought into the church, since the Bible declares, "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." We must change our concepts, and see that we cannot put new wine into old bottles. The purpose of our church is to save mankind from materialism in all its forms, and this will be attained alone through spiritualization of thought, and the realization that only purity and spiritual activity in the thoughts, hearts, and lives of its members and followers can bring progress and unfoldment, and, finally, deliverance from all evil.

The true Church, "the structure of Truth and Love," exists forever; its gates are ever open, and all who worship God in humility and rejoicing feel the security and protection of His tender, all-embracing love, the sure foundation.

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