Class Instruction

[martin_ph]

I took my primary class instruction sometime 20 years ago. Was not able to apply it immediately. I was away for quite sometime in my study of CS. Now I'm back and wish so much to be a better Christian Scientist. I know that you could only take class once. I definitely want to be able to put into practice what I have learned but is somewhat prevented by the idea that "being away" means I need to struggle to be back. How does one start all over again so to speak.

[NYCtown]

I don't think you need to be concerned about starting all over. Some people make slow, steady progress, others do it in bursts. Why can you be one of those who dives in and gets it? :)

If you've got questions, why don't you post them here or call your Christian Science teacher to discuss them? And if you can't call that individual for some reason, another practitioner or teacher would probably be happy to chat with you.

[mcatem]

I can absolutely relate to your desire to be a "better Christian Scientist." We have to remember that as long as we are yearning to improve we will. "Desire is prayer". It isn't helpful to our progress (or theirs) for us to compare ourselves with others who may study more, have been studying longer, or share long eloquent testimonies in church. God meets us right where we are. We don't need to "catch up" to him, or to someone else's progress.

When I feel the need to propel my own study forward I seem drawn to return again and again to the chapter Footsteps of Truth in Science & Health. There is also the question, "How can I progress most rapidly in the understanding of Christian Science?" and the answer on page 495 in the chapter, Recapitulation.

Are you still (or again) in touch with your teacher? I know in my own experience it can feel intimidating to reach out again after a long period without contact, but I'd be surprised if your teacher wasn't grateful to hear from you.

[martin_ph]

Thank you very much for your inspiring responses. My teacher passed away 13 years ago. Since I took it a continent away from home and went away I lost touch or quite shy to get in touch with my Association.

Currently, I'm "working on some things regarding career and finances" and wanting to receive the unfoldment. Got in touch with some practitioners who helped a lot. However, I feel that I should do it myself but at a little bit lost because I have not "practiced" for quite sometime.

Your responses surely focused me to look for my Shepherd and follow Him. As I was writing this, the daily thought from spirituality.com arrived which was so inspirational and very right for this moment. It reads "If we wish to follow Christ, Truth, it must be in the way of God's appointing. Jesus said, 'He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.' He, who would reach the source and find the divine remedy for every ill, must not try to climb the hill of Science by some other road." (S&H 326:3-8).

I'm so grateful that God has led our leader to discover ways we could get in touch with HIM in the form of our services, periodicals and people like you who are willing to guide the others. I'm grateful also for the "technology" because it unites us even though physically we're miles away.