Although human experience often presents evidence to the contrary, Christian Scientists know that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). In the clear light of Christian Science, confusion and dissension are seen to be phases of mortal belief, unreal because not derived from God. They are counterfeits of the spiritual fact that God's purpose is being unfolded to man steadily and harmoniously.

The fullness of God's infinite purpose cannot be discerned by any individual human being. God's purpose will certainly grow clearer to human view, however, as mankind gains an increased understanding of what God is and of what man is as His perfect image and likeness. Human experience will manifest more co-operation, progress, and harmony as Christian Scientists demonstrate the allness and oneness of Mind. In "Miscellaneous Writings" Mary Baker Eddy says (p. 154), "It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the understanding, and the kingdom of God, the reign of harmony already within us." A line farther on she continues, "Abide in His word, and it shall abide in you; and the healing Christ will again be made manifest in the flesh—understood and glorified."

These truths were proved by a Christian Scientist who was confronted with the decision as to whether or not to sell her house. Knowing that God's plan and purpose were in operation and would be manifested in her affairs, she decided to put the house up for sale. A buyer was soon found. The issue seemed deadlocked, however, because lending agencies were not making the type of loan which the prospective buyer desired and to which he seemed entitled.

At first the Christian Scientist wondered just how to approach this problem, since she was still not entirely sure that it was right for her to sell the house. Almost immediately she realized that she must relinquish any sense of human will or planning, shut out the suggestions of conflicting opinion and confusion, and express confidence and trust in God. The thought came to her: If you see all concerned as spiritual ideas, they can in no way interfere with the working out of God's plan. All ideas are working together for good.

She had always interpreted Paul's statement to the Romans, used at the beginning of this article, in terms of the harmonious working out of events in spite of enmity. Now she could see that the words "all things" might also be interpreted as meaning "spiritual ideas," and that an understanding that all spiritual ideas work together for good would mean more harmonious relationships with others and would bless all concerned.

The next day the loan company called to say that they had decided to make the loan. An unusual degree of co-operation marked the working out of the details of the sale, and later events proved that it had indeed been right to sell the property at that particular time.

Regardless of what the erroneous presentation may seem to be, only a fuller understanding of God and of man's relationship to Him is needed to bring healing. No matter what form the material evidence may assume, it is imperative to behold man as the image and likeness of God. There is no way for spiritual ideas to conflict with one another; nor can they be frustrated. Spiritual ideas cannot dominate or be dominated, irritate or be irritated, obstruct or be obstructed. All spiritual ideas express their true activity in working together for good, for the fulfillment of God's purpose.

To affirm that all ideas work together for good in an attempt to accomplish a willful human purpose is to trespass on the moral freedom of other individuals. To know that all ideas co-ordinate in God's universal plan liberates mankind and extends the useful, right activity of those involved in any human situation. It in no way conflicts with free moral agency, but leaves to each human being the responsibility of working out his own salvation.

When those in the business world understand the co-operation which exists between spiritual ideas, employer and employee alike are relieved of the friction of human personality. When it is remembered that God's purpose can be manifested in every human activity, purer motives and ambitions result, a higher sense of honesty and integrity is expressed, and selfish competition is discarded for a higher sense of business as the harmonious unfoldment of good which is always available to all.

Family relationships are made more harmonious by the understanding that all ideas work together for good. There can be no insubordination or domination in a home in which the truths of God and man are maintained. There are no "problem children" or "problem parents" because all God's ideas are working together harmoniously.

Church affairs offer another useful opportunity to prove that "all things work together for good." Error has no power, presence, knowledge, or reality. It is the privilege of church members to reverse the pretensions of mortal mind and prove that God, good, is supreme. All God's ideas are actively reflecting power, presence, knowledge, and dominion. Into an atmosphere in which such consecrated activity is going on nothing can enter which "defileth, ... or maketh a lie" (Rev. 21:27). To know this harmonizes and unifies every church endeavor, forwards church progress, and blesses each individual member.

Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 10): "Whatever envy, hatred, revenge—the most remorseless motives that govern mortal mind—whatever these try to do, shall 'work together for good to them that love God.' Why? Because He has called His own, armed them, equipped them, and furnished them defenses impregnable. Their God will not let them be lost; and if they fall they shall rise again, stronger than before the stumble. The good cannot lose their God, their help in times of trouble. If they mistake the divine command, they will recover it, countermand their order, retrace their steps, and reinstate His orders, more assured to press on safely."

The apparent complexities of error may all be resolved by recourse to the fundamental truths of Christian Science, that God is Life, Truth, Love, Soul, Spirit, Mind, Principle, and that man is His image and likeness, spiritual and perfect. Seeming problems can be made opportunities to behold the man of God's creating. Basic spiritual facts, steadfastly maintained, will always be manifested in the adjusting, correcting, and healing of every adverse condition. Thus are exemplified our Leader's inspiring words (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 165): "As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good. Thus may each member of this church rise above the oft-repeated inquiry, What am I? to the scientific response: I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing."