Editorial October 14, 1905 Issue

Letting the Light Shine

John B. Willis

Jesus could never have counseled men to be and to do the impossible. He urged upon them the greatness and glory of a career which was shown to be both theoretically and demonstrably practicable, Christian Science makes it clear that in commending a luminous life to his disciples disciples he declared not only for the fact that the light of Truth was beaming upon them, but that it was theirs to utilize, theirs to understand and interpret in their life and conduct, and thus fulfil the ministry of the sons of God. Jesus said relatively little about the philosophy of this spiritual radiation, but he continuously illustrated it in his living, and it thus reached and awakened men,—was made a practical basis of confidence and faith. Referring to the nature of his own work, he said to the Father, "The glory which thou gavest me I have given them;" and the realization and acceptance of this exalted privilege of transmitting the glory—the truth, beauty, and love — of God, it was this that freed them from their bondage to the commonplace of human experience. When the capacity, the culture, and the aspiration of humanity all become serviceable to Truth, then men have entered upon the true life in the ministry of Christ.

It has been said that the worth of life is found in this capacity to express the truth of God to men, and this also determines its satisfaction and its joy. Christian Science amplifies and emphasizes this thought in its recognition of man as a divine idea, the going forth of God,—as neither having nor being anything apart from God. Jesus distinctly said this of himself: "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." He knew no power or activity apart from God. Not mechanically, but consciously and willingly he let the light of Truth shine,—so willingly that he was impelled to say it was impossible for him to do otherwise. He thus became our example in that glad consecration, that immediate responsiveness to God which amounts to a spontaneous impulse. This is the abandon of love which removes every seeming impediment to the divine manifestation. Let your light shine,—every light-house keeper understands that this is his governing law. Be the weather fair or foul, he knows that the command of the Government is backed by the expectation of every mariner on the seas, and he knows nothing else but to utilize the resources supplied him for light giving,—to keep his lamp trimmed, his flame bright. This command to give forth light is a clarion call from the Master to his every follower, and to the faithful student of Christian Science it must bring a sense of exalted privilege, as well as of deep responsibility, since for him the way of obedience has been made clear as never before.

When called to manifest the nature and activities of good, to radiate that light which is above the sun, men are wont to cloak their irresponsiveness in the garb of a false humility, and it is apparent that so long as they thus deny the practicability of the Christ-life, so long will they lack the inspiration and assurance which initiates and gives nerve and persistency to spiritual endeavor. No man can enthusiastically address himself to the accomplishment of that which he believes to be impossible, and in re-affirming and demonstrating that men may escape the deadening beliefs of materiality, may live the Christ-life of purity, unselfishness, and loyalty to Truth, and may do the works of the Master, Christian Science has re-interpreted Christian living and re-awakened its triumphant song. As we begin to realize that the truth and wisdom and love and beauty of God are to appear in our lives, that this is our natural function, prerogative, and duty, in that measure our ills and fears begin to disappear, our usefulness and joy to increase, our hearts to gladden and our faces to glow. The light of Truth is beginning to shine through us, and we understand as never before those revealing words. "The glory which thou gavest me I have given." This is life's most imperative duty, its noblest aim, its sweetest joy, that in the spirit of a little child, and in fulfilment of the demands that are laid upon every follower of Christ Jesus, we let the beauty and blessedness of the light of Truth be manifest in our every thought, word, and deed.

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