Government "of the people" is often described as the highest form of political order. It suggests full participation of the governed in decision-making processes that affect the public well-being. However, even in forms of government that provide a constitutional structure, safeguards for human rights, regular plebiscites, and a network of channels for citizen participation, those "in charge" are sometimes suspected of abuse of power—perhaps misappropriation of public funds or biased distribution of services.

Christian Science helps take the uncertainty out of the workings of government by bringing a metaphysical perspective to the concept of governance. It answers from a spiritual basis the questions: Who really governs? What is the relationship of the governor to the governed?

In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy presents man as perpetually governed by his originator, God, and the divine control as all-encompassing: "Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity." ^{Science and Health, p. 507;}

By realizing that divine Mind is the only true governor, we help eliminate fear and frustration over human government. We can see ourselves and all, not as helpless victims of selfish interests, greed, or evil motives, but as spiritual ideas controlled by Mind, our benevolent governor.

"Trust ye in the Lord for ever," ^{Isa. 26:4;} we read in Isaiah. Old Testament seers, including Moses, Joseph, David, and the prophets, had their devotion to God continually tested. Each had to put aside temptations and rely wholeheartedly on Him to meet crises.

Christ Jesus, whose healing works are unparalleled, relied exclusively on divine law. The Master rejected the false universal belief that man is mortal, subject to fatal material laws and to the actions of other mortals. He transcended oppression and hatred through an understanding of the divine law he taught. We, too, can avail ourselves of God's government through Christly, spiritually based thinking. And we can effectively support through prayer those who are taking necessary and legitimate steps to bring about change.

The weekly series "A Nation of Neighborhoods," which appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, ^{See The Christian Science Monitor, September 9–November 18, December 23, 1977;} illustrates how citizens worked together to alter bad laws, how they had an impact on new legislation to improve neighborhoods, blocked social and technological threats to communities, and mustered new awareness of the worth of grass-roots participation. Threaded throughout this series were examples of underdogs or "little guys" overcoming fears of bureaucratic oppression and how they lawfully effected reform.

It is encouraging to see that good government is not impossible and to applaud honest human efforts to make government responsive to people's needs. But to give truly effective support to such efforts, we need to root our thoughts and actions in a clear perception of the source and nature of true government. Mrs. Eddy admonishes her followers: "Tyranny, intolerance, and bloodshed, wherever found, arise from the belief that the infinite is formed after the pattern of mortal personality, passion, and impulse." ^{Science and Health, p. 94;}

We can start each day claiming God's control and expecting good in our public and private dealings. By accepting our immortal status—under divine government—we gird ourselves against apathy, injustice, civic abuse, and the like. Our purpose is not to achieve a rosy, naive view of government in the face of malfeasance and dishonesty. It is to realize the spiritual origin and nature of true government and thereby bring healing to the human situation. We need to turn away from the bogus, material picture and see clearly the spiritual reality—perfect God as the governor of perfect man.

Abuse of power and unfair treatment are unknown to God, who is Love. They are impossible under His government. We help demonstrate this through prayer—through confidently affirming the omnipotence of God as our governor. In accord with Mrs. Eddy's instruction in the Manual of The Mother Church, we undertake this daily prayer: "'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!" ^{Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 4.}

We can expect, and can achieve, government that is effective, dynamic, and honest by relying on God as our only real governor.