Article December 5, 1925 Issue

Right Activity

GEORCE H. READ

ALONG with its many other blessings Christian Science is bringing to all who are receptive a better and an enlarged sense of right activity. In a very illuminating article, in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 230), Mrs. Eddy says: "Three ways of wasting time, one of which is contemptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls, and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or planning for some amusement,—travel of limb more than mind. Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much."

Earnest students of Christian Science find it increasingly necessary to learn how to use their time advantageously. Spiritual progress naturally brings with it the desire for greater growth, which leads to more and more study of the Bible and of our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and the other writings of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. Church membership, with its various duties and obligations, also demands its generous share of time and thought, which every loyal worker is sincerely desirous of giving it. Inasmuch as regular daily duties, social obligations, and reading or study habits keep one quite fully occupied before becoming interested in the Science of Christianity, it is obvious that the old order of doing things must change if one would give to Christian Science the time and effort which are so essential to steady growth and progress.

But just as the new seeker for Truth must learn to abandon unnecessary, time-wasting material activities in order to devote proper attention to his spiritual studies and his church work, so must the more advanced student learn not to neglect his other rightful daily duties while giving more and more of his time to his lesson books, his periodicals, and his quiet thinking. "These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone," said Jesus in speaking to the scribes and Pharisees about the importance of continuing the payment of their material tithes, while admonishing them for having "omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith." Those who would comply with the Christ-teachings of to-day will continue to give to their fellow-men an increasing measure of whatever service they are capable of rendering, while not omitting or neglecting "the weightier matters" of Christian Science study and work. Even after progressing to the point of becoming a practitioner and being obliged to give up so-called business activities in order to meet the increasing requirements of the practice, the Christian Scientist may find there are still some very legitimate though more ordinary demands upon him that cannot and should not be shirked.

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