Every now and then I will buy a product that needs to be assembled or installed in order to work properly. Or I will begin to repair an item and find that what seemed at first to be rather a simple, uncomplicated task has become virtually impossible for me to do. I am certain that I understand what is required; I'm sure that the task isn't beyond my mechanical aptitude; but I just can't get it done.

It is usually at that point that I once again learn the wisdom of the old saying "When all else fails, read the instructions!" Sure enough, when I've read and followed the instructions, I find I'm able to complete the assembly, finish the installation, or perform the needed repair.

Students of Christian Science find that they have "instructions" that, when followed, allow them to conduct their affairs each day in a way that makes their lives more useful, productive, and satisfying. Such "instructions" for living are contained in the weekly Bible Lessons, published in the Christian Science Quarterly. As is well known, each Bible Lesson contains selections from the Bible together with correlative passages from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. These lessons constitute the sermons read at the Sunday church services.

Now, it is important to realize that the Bible Lesson is not just a formula or a recipe for wealth, fame, or success. It provides a point of departure and a basis for spiritual growth. Study of it is a beginning, a positive step Spiritward. The Bible Lesson helps us begin each day with a proper sense of direction.

Let's take an example: Suppose we have spent a sleepless night wrestling with a problem of human relationships, or maybe trying to understand a complex business situation we will have to face the next day. Turning to the Bible Lesson when we get up, we can ponder our situation in the light of Christian Science—to see the unreality of the error we may have been believing about our neighbor, our circumstances, or ourselves. This study gives us the spiritual sense of being that brings us freedom. We have indeed taken a step in the right direction; a step away from the concept of our brother or neighbor as an uncooperative and antagonistic mortal and a step toward the right idea of man as God's useful and loving creation. If we have done this, our meetings will be more harmonious and productive, for we will be more Christlike in our approach to others. And this in turn will foster in them their desirable qualities. This furthers productivity and progress in an atmosphere of trust and understanding, rather than apprehension and suspicion.

Clearly, the Bible Lesson is far more than light reading designed to entertain or while away an hour or so. It must be studied, not scanned; the ideas must be pondered, not squandered through haste and inattention. Recalling Mrs. Eddy's comment "The divine Science taught in the original language of the Bible came through inspiration, and needs inspiration to be understood," ^{Science and Health, p. 319.} we realize that we must do more than just read—we must think about what we read. Indeed we must heed the counsel of Proverbs: "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." ^{Prov. 4:1.}

The value of our study of the Bible, together with the Christian Science textbook, is proved when we test every idea or suggestion that comes to us to determine its true origin. Does it originate in divine Mind? Is it in accord with infinite Principle? Is it an inspiration of Love that blesses all and curses none? Is it an expression of Truth?

The Bible Lessons, which cover twenty-six basic subjects, give each student an opportunity to learn the answers to the many questions that arise in one's life each day. Although each of the twenty-six subjects of the lessons is dealt with twice each year, the contents are always different and thus afford opportunities for continuous inspiration and insight. For example, offering subjects such as "Ancient and Modern Necromancy, alias Mesmerism and Hypnotism, Denounced" and "Truth," the Bible Lessons give the student of Christian Science specific instructions on how not to be fooled, deceived, duped by the suggestions and temptations of the carnal mind.

Also, we might find ourselves better equipped to deal with the implications of such things as genetic engineering, black holes, the big-bang theory, by studying the lesson entitled "Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?" or "God the Only Cause and Creator" or "Matter" or "Substance." And then there are the questions that occur to everyone: "Who am I? What is my purpose for being?" The lessons on "Man," "Mortals and Immortals," "Soul and Body," "Adam and Fallen Man," may afford new insights into these questions in the light of Christ Jesus' teachings.

It is worth repeating that the Bible Lessons are not formulas but beginnings, starting points for spiritual growth and healing practice. "Search the scriptures," Jesus told those Jews who with all their study of the letter of Scripture could not identify the promised Saviour; "for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." ^{John 5:39.} It is the study of the Scriptures in their spiritual meaning that leads and guides the student away from sin, sickness, and death toward spiritual Life, Truth, and Love. That is surely why our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, reminds us, "The Bible contains the recipe for all healing." ^{Science and Health, p. 406.}

It is so important that we understand that each one of us has a place in God's universe and a purpose in His plan for creation. When we recall the instructions of Proverbs "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding," ^{Prov. 4:7.} we can see how important the Bible Lessons are to our progress and well-being.

Few of us would start out on a long automobile trip without consulting a road map. It would be foolish to pilot a plane crosscountry without following a flight plan. Professionals and craftsmen follow blueprints, engineering drawings, and schematics to be certain that their work is done correctly and accurately. Aren't we fortunate to have, in the Bible Lessons, comprehensive instructions to turn to every day to make sure that our lives are always on the right track? If it seems that our affairs aren't in order, that our mental view of our neighbor is blurred or distorted, that we don't feel so well, perhaps we should remember that wise advice "When all else fails, read the instructions!"