A practical appreciation of Christ Jesus
Recently we were showing some out-of-town friends the stained-glass windows in a famous church when we came to one depicting an event in the life of Christ Jesus. As we stood there in reverent appreciation of the Founder of Christianity , I couldn't help thinking about what an enlightened, practical understanding the teachings of Christian Science bring to the words and works of the Way-shower.
Many people gain inspiration and comfort from thinking about the man Jesus. But perhaps even more important, we need to gain a practical understanding of the Christ-power he expressed.
The purpose of Jesus' unequaled example was not merely to inspire mankind but to show us how to be free from every form of bondage, physical suffering included. He promised, ''He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.'' n1
n1 John 14:12.
Underlying Jesus' words and deeds was eternal divine law, which we all can apply. Through prayer that springs from an understanding of God as the perfect, totally good Principle of the universe, and of man's actual nature as His image, we can experience a restoration of harmony. And it makes no difference whether our problem is physical, financial, emotional, or moral.
Christian Science teaches the eternal Biblical truth of man's indestructible relationship to God. And, as indicated above, many have found freedom from sickness and other ills through the study and application of this truth. Perceiving something of man's actual nature as spiritual and whole, reflecting the perfection of Spirit, they have proved by healing that no one need be subject to such debilitating conditions as sin, disease, lack.
On the basis of man's eternal likeness to God, Jesus healed all types of troubles. His works vividly illustrated the fact that man, as God created him, has never fallen from his original, spiritual state of being; that nothing can truly interfere with his harmony and wellbeing as the reflection of divine Love. The Master healed pain, impairment - apparently hopeless difficulties of every sort - through this Christly understanding of divine law.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, points out, ''The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea, - perfect God and perfect man, - as the basis of thought and demonstration.'' n2
n2 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 259.
I was able to heal myself of a very painful toothache a few months ago by understanding and appealing to this divine Principle. Having seen the beneficial effects of Christian Science treatment, or prayer, so many times in my life, I turned naturally to the truths of God and man when my tooth began to bother me. I endeavored to look away from the persistent feelings of pain and to realize my painless, perfect being as the child of God. As I held my thought to the spiritual, correct concept of man, the throbbing began to subside. In a short time the pain had completely disappeared. I have had no more trouble with the tooth.
Not mere admiration or reverence for Christ Jesus' teachings, but a correct understanding and application of the scientific, spiritual rules of these teachings, is what establishes genuine well-being.
In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy states, ''To be 'present with the Lord' is to have, not mere emotional ecstasy or faith, but the actual demonstration and understanding of Life as revealed in Christian Science.'' n3
n3 Ibid., p. 14.
DAILY BIBLE VERSE Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
