Discipline vs. Suffering ANNIE M. KNOTT, CSD         In the first epistle of Peter we find this statement: "He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin," a passage which is difficult to understand unless it be carefully studied in relation to the general teaching of this epistle. Experience has shown that people do not always cease from sin because of physical suffering, indeed some are, for a time at least, made hard and bitter thereby; but when it becomes to them a form of discipline by which they are driven to seek peace and rest in spirituality, the body ceases to be the master and thought begins to assert its native freedom.         A great burden is lifted from the consciousness of the individual when he ceases to believe that he is bound by material health laws and that his ailments result from disregard of these asserted laws. In fact mortals often find that the most rigid obedience to these supposed laws but tends to increase their suffering and add to their bondage; but one by one the fetters of false belief are loosed in Christian Science, and the erstwhile sufferer finds "freedom to worship God." Then comes the next step mentioned by the apostle, in the experience of the one who had "suffered in the flesh," namely, "that he no longer should live the rest of his time to the lusts of men, but to the will of God;" or, as he adds, "live according to God in the spirit."         Any bodily or mental discord which may come to the student of Christian Science is a sharp reminder that there is yet much to be overcome. It may be a lingering fear of the old taskmaster, mortal mind, or it may be the disturbance produced by some "evil thoughts" which have not been effectually rooted out. Again, we may have to face the fierce mental onslaughts of those who hate and deny the truth, but in all cases we may find in the process of overcoming error the discipline which gives us renewed energy and dexterity in resisting the attacks of evil and proving its powerlessness.         When the three faithful Hebrews were cast into the furnace at Babylon, the only things which felt the torch of the fire were the cords that bound them. It is noteworthy that these cords were very quickly consumed, although this did not mean the immediate deliverance of the men from the fire; but they nevertheless walked fearlessly and painlessly in the midst of it, recognizing the presence of the Son of God. It is not enough to say that these men came out of the ordeal unharmed. They must have come out of it with an assurance and strength never before realized. He who welcomes the wholesome discipline of human experience, who gladly chooses to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," he is safe to escape the bondage of suffering.         Our desire should always be to get rid of all that is unlike God, and to realize more fully at each step of the way man's likeness to God, infinite Mind. With this desire held constantly in thought, we rise above the weakening and depressing sense of suffering and welcome the discipline which purifies character. We should often ponder this clear-cut statement by our revered Leader: "It is error to suffer for aught but your own sins. Christ, or Truth, will destroy all other supposed suffering, and real suffering for your own sins will cease in proportion as the sin ceases." (Science and Health, p. 391). A famous writer caught a glimpse of this truth when he wrote, — Cease the sin with the sorrow! let morning begin! Pain must burn itself out if not fuell'd by sin. There is hope in yon hill-tops and love in yon light, Let hate and despondency die with the night.   "Discipline vs. Suffering" by Annie M. Knott, CSD Christian Science Sentinel, July 16, 1910

 

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