Unceasing Spiritual Rise and Progress

A recent newspaper article stated that one of the main reasons why a person is not promoted in business is their inability to take correction. When we indulge in pride, hurt feelings, and stubbornness, important lessons are not learned — and the promotion goes to someone else.

Everyone certainly wants to progress in life and to become better in every way. Mary Baker Eddy gives a clear and penetrating statement that would help even the most difficult case to learn and appreciate the value of taking correction: “If the Christian Scientist recognize the mingled sternness and gentleness which permeate justice and Love, he will not scorn the timely reproof, but will so absorb it that this warning will be within him a spring, welling up into unceasing spiritual rise and progress.” (Ret.)

If we truly want to make progress, wouldn’t we want to know what stumbling blocks might be preventing spiritual growth? And unless there is someone loving enough to give a much needed correction, how very easy it is to continue in a bad habit. Are we grateful for the one who unselfishly points out the way, or do we instead “scorn the timely reproof”?

Many come to Christian Science demanding that their problems be healed, but they refuse to make the necessary changes in their lives that will bring them closer to God. They are also the ones who complain of no improvement. But those who are humbly willing to purify their thoughts and deeds and gratefully accept corrections, receive blessings and healing beyond measure.

As Mrs. Eddy says, “Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is proof of progress. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’” (S&H)

Let us humbly pray for this disposition which allows us to appreciate and benefit from a needed correction, and in so doing, gives way to a life blessed with “unceasing spiritual rise and progress.”