With the news that Osama Bin Laden has been finally been taken out, some people are warning of possible retaliation against us here in the USA, and against Americans and its allies abroad.
I, of course, am thinking about staying out of harm's way, about where our safety lies. And the religion I practice, Christian Science, is of great help in this. Whatever our circumstances may be, we can gain peace of mind and safety through an understanding of our unity with God.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "The history of Christianity furnishes sublime proofs of the supporting influence and protecting power bestowed on man by his heavenly Father, omnipotent Mind, who gives man faith and understanding whereby to defend himself, not only from temptation, but from bodily suffering." (p.387)
This spiritual and practical understanding of man's indissoluble relationship to God is accessible to all. We can all begin to discern and practice those spiritual truths that will enable us to carry on our day-to-day activities with perfect confidence in our safety.
The physical senses tell us we're subject to the material conditions surrounding us; that despite the precautions we may take for personal security, we still remain potential victims of others' actions. While this may seem to be the case, and we certainly can't naively ignore danger, still there is no more reliable help than God. There is actually no other power.
The teachings of Christian Science stress the truth of God's supremacy. And, in accord with the Bible, they show us that man is the beloved child of his Maker, never for an instant separated from God's all-encompassing care. In truth, man is neither a victim nor the perpetrator of violent acts. He is governed by the divine Mind, the only genuine Mind. And when we realize this truth with the conviction that comes of spiritual understanding, we can live without fear.
For centuries people have been turning to the book of Psalms for reassuring promises of God's protecting care. This is just one of the books of the Old Testament that show us God's mighty help and deliverance. And our great Master left no doubt of God's powerful love and care for His children. It was Christ Jesus' absolute conviction of being inseparable from his Father that empowered him to demonstrate dominion, whatever the circumstances. Jesus said, "He that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone." (John8:29) Nor does the Father ever leave us alone and unprotected; rather, He keeps each and every one of us continuously secure in His omnipotent care. You and I can prove this.
The Christian Science textbook states, "Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage." (Science and Health, p. 18) To really comprehend the fact of man's perfect unity with God, good, is to enjoy His protecting care 24/7. How reassuring it is to know that we can never for a moment be outside the sphere of divine Love's protecting, saving influence!
