Every once in a while, I have someone tell me that the more involved they get with church work or get deeper into their study and practice of Christian Science, that they experience greater attack by disease, conflict or trouble. They fear that their increased spiritual commitment puts them in a more vulnerable position to evil.

It’s important to address this misconception for it has become what might be classified as an “old wives fable,” that has circulated for years among some students of Christian Science.

It is true, that when you are elevated to a position of visibility, enemies of what you stand for see you as a target. But that doesn’t mean you’re more vulnerable to harm. It should be quite the opposite. The higher you rise in understanding the omnipotence of God, the safer you are from attack. It cannot reach you.

Jesus Christ was attacked viciously near the end of his career because of his spirituality. But he was not weak before it. He was safe from it and proved as such with his resurrection and ascension. His understanding of the supremacy of God, good was so complete, that it completely protected him from the attack of his crucifiers. He let them crucify him to prove that they couldn’t. And he walked out of the tomb alive. His short term suffering resulted in long term gain for all of humanity, including himself.

When we more actively practice the premise of Christian Science, that God is omnipresent good, we become more aware of the different forms evil takes in the human experience. Evil’s deceitful devious ways stand out to us, whereas in the past they were still there, but we didn’t notice them.

Many people suffer from what one might call an “attack” from evil but don’t see it as assault at all. They see it as a normal part of life. For instance, consider a patient rendered a verdict of incurable disease by a doctor. In Christian Science, that would be a flagrant and violent denial of that person’s right to health. You might say that the pronouncement is an “attack” on that person’s well being. But the patient not educated in the reality of Good and the unreality of evil, doesn’t see it that way. They accept it as a part of life. They might give into it without question.

In Christian Science, you don’t give into these kinds of pronouncements anymore because you’ve learned they’re not right. They jump out and wave red flags that cannot be ignored.

In Truth, evil has no power to attack. It is armless, with no ammunition, warheads, missiles or bullets to send our way. It makes suggestions, but cannot follow through with them. The only effect ever seen is according to how far a person’s belief allows the suggestions to be entertained.

So, don’t entertain the suggestions!

If you’re advancing rapidly in your demonstration of Truth and Love, growing more active in church work, and believe you are seeing more opposition to progress come your way, don’t flinch or retreat in the illusion that you are more vulnerable to attack. You are not. You’re just seeing more clearly how evil operates. Know that because of you’re increased growth and prayer you’re in a better position than ever to deal with the resistance and put it down.

Growth in Christian Science means increasing one’s understanding of the power and presence of divine Love to promote, sustain and maintain health and well being. To grow in this light puts you in a better position, a far safer place than you would be without the understanding.

Don’t fall back! Don’t be timid. And definitely have no fear. Keep moving ahead, entrenching your position, strengthening your fortress and building your case. It’s the wisest course to pursue and in your best interest over the long run.

A position with God is the strongest position of all.