It can feel easy to give up in the face of so much disorder and destruction—when long-standing norms that support cooperation and mutual respect are eroding. At times, it feels like we already lost the courtesy, the interest in one another’s work, and the calm, thoughtful discourse that is helping people engage constructively across differences—locally and globally. F.e. Listening to those individuals who are devoting their lives to solutions for certain topics like the health of individuals, the health of the planet, mitigating the effects of climate change, peace building, working for justice, inclusivity, integration. Efforts to end violence, the trust in guns, the end of wars. We miss the law. It is the law that enables all of us to do the work, to work better, the higher law. Are we all doomed to live in the land of destructibility? Is there no hope at all?
There are many who quietly dedicate themselves to building something better: opening up new horizons, improving health, protecting the planet, reducing the impact of climate change, working for peace, justice, inclusion, and understanding. Their efforts often go unseen, but they matter deeply. They remind us that cooperation and care are still very much alive. Even when the rule of law is regarded perhaps even as something for the weak by some, that is not a reason to abandon it ourselves in our own circle of responsibility. That is where we can think and act. The way forward is not imitation of disorder, but a continued commitment to integrity, respect, and constructive engagement. In the end, the world we experience is shaped in part by what we choose to uphold and cultivate.
From my perspective as a Christian Scientist, I find strength in the idea of a spiritual reality defining harmony and order—the kingdom of heaven Christ Jesus talked about. This dimension of infinite space and possibility is here and it can be lived and expressed and felt in daily life, for everyone and with everyone.
I see possibilities for renewal, cooperation and teamwork everywhere. My faith is a solid bridge, not a wall – and I feel that true faith enables one to see more options and feel an unspeakable peace that helps us to keep up the work. I feel that it is in this spirit of blessing and true care for others that inspired Mary Baker Eddy to share this insight, more than hundred years ago:
“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health, p. 96)
I see a lot of discerning of the law of good going on – especially in the sense of the higher law, the divine Science of Being. I see it in the core of many individuals, I see it in the hard work of many I meet every day. I see it in current, informed debates within faith communities I am familiar with, I see it in individual conversations and in the lives of people who are working peacefully and with deep commitment to keep this planet up and running. They keep their children away from the police, they uphold law and order in their families and their workplace. They uphold a respectful tone of conversation and they are letting their light shine though few will ever even be mentioned by name. There are peacemakers everywhere and they are to be reckoned with. They know that there is a land of indestructibility where the law is the law of the land, the same rules applying to all. We all know that we cannot add on hour to our life (see Matthew 6:27)- but we can make it deeper.
I am sharing here an article from the vast archive of the Christian Science Publishing Society. A beautifully illustrated excerpt by Joan Kohler is shared below. Check out the archive.
The-Land-of-Indestructibility_Bell
