Article September 5, 1959 Issue

THE VALUE OF PERSISTENT EFFORT

THOMAS B. MILLAR

AS a general rule, without persistence, nothing of lasting value is achieved. The successful musician, writer, teacher, businessman, housewife, or Christian Science practitioner has become so through no momentary inspiration or burst of effort but by unremitting labor. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 230), "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing."

Christ Jesus recognized the importance of patient, persistent effort. The Gospel narratives indicate that his comprehensive knowledge of the Scriptures was gained through many years of study. Before he began his healing ministry at about the age of thirty, the Master had no doubt spent much time in consecrated, prayerful devotion to the unfolding of his understanding of God and man and the healing power of the Christ, Truth. And during his ministry he persevered in teaching, preaching, and healing, despite the ingratitude and persecution that resulted. He especially persevered in praying. At least once he spent the whole night in prayer.

Sometimes during his activities, when at a meal or when resting during a journey, he used the moments in teaching or helping others. As the end of his earthly experience drew near, when his whole lifework seemed to be in jeopardy, his steadfast reliance on God brought victory over death itself and so pointed the way to immortality for mankind.

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