Several months ago the teeth in my mouth became quite painful. The Bible says in John 1 that all things were made by God (good) and without Him was not anything made that was made. Like produces like.  Good must produce only good. So pain is an impossibility in the allness of God, good. Then what was this pain? It was an error, a mistaken concept that I, as the reflection of God, Good, could express something unlike my Creator.

One of the tools that error tries to use to convince us that it is real is the sense of feel. You can pretty much get away from the other physical senses by closing your eyes or ears. There seems to be no way to escape pain. It feels like a trap.

However, one of the great things about Christian Science is that it shows us a way out of the trap.  Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:  "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought.  Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust that the recognition of Life harmonious—as Life eternally is--can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not." (495:14)  Pain is the temptation to believe that life is in matter. Christ Jesus overcame this temptation and so can we.

I love Mrs. Eddy's affirmation that we all already include a "clear sense and calm trust"  as an integral part of our identity. It is a given. Life is God; therefore Life must be good, with no tinge, no pain.

During the rough times, I thought about the following statement from Science and Health :  "Keep in mind the verity of being,-- that man is the image and likeness of God in whom all being is painless and permanent." (414:26) I knew that I, along with all mankind, reflect the painlessness, perpetuity, and permanency of God. I was completely healed and rejoice in the omnipotence of God "who healeth all thy diseases". (Ps. 103:3)

L. E. Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, United States