Article March 18, 1905 Issue

Do I?

M. J.

One of the most helpful and fruitful lessons learned in Christian Science is that of minding one's own business. The mesmeric turmoil of conflicting thought is being uncovered by the law and order of true thought, and our efforts to relieve and be relieved of human control, that we may be guided by the Christ-mind, means work and constant work. It therefore behooves the Christian Scientist to watch that he may not entertain any suggestion which would hold him in materiality and try to make him work in the old lines, thus blinding him with over-zeal "to do" instead of to know that God has finished His work, and that it is for us to see it unfold.

A desire to help in problems not our own is subtle, and ignorance of circumstances, caused by an outside view, often tempts us to think our brother could see a little clearer, work a little better, or make more rapid progress than he is making, were our advice taken; and we are thus tempted to offer it unasked. The thought may even present itself that we could heal more quickly the patients of others. We certainly ought to be busy with the reformation of self until asked for help, and then we should spare no effort to reflect Love, but we should avoid every temptation to interfere with another's problems. I take it that if we have the true substance, there will the hungry gather to be fed.

Aid which is forced upon one is not often acceptable or beneficial, and a young Christian Scientist needs to grow through self-knowledge, humility, and love, not through the acceptance of other's opinions; and often he may profit through the very experiences from which the onlooker would save him, and would grow faster if left more to divine guidance, which brings about the unfolding of his own individuality.

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