Editorial April 13, 1912 Issue

CHANNELS OF GOOD

Archibald McLellan

The one fact which stands out beyond all others in the ministry of Christ Jesus is his selflessness. When he healed the sick, fed the hungry, opened the prison doors to them that were in bondage, he took no credit to himself for these wondrous works—he was but the channel through which the Father's love found expression. His work was for others, and he claimed no credit for himself—it was all to glorify the Father. He exacted no personal worship from his followers, in no way sought to exalt himself, though one of the charges brought against him by the Jews was that he made himself equal with God. But Jesus possessed no greater spiritual glory than that which he promised those who should know "the only true God," and himself as the Son sent by the Father to do His works; when they attained to the same spiritual understanding of which he was possessed, they, too, would be able to do these works.

The whole ground was covered in his words to the disciples after the mother of Zebedee's children had sought special preferment for them. But this spirit of self-seeking was sternly rebuked by the Master. Among the children of this world there might be striving for place and power, but not among the followers of him who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister;" and in these words he set a limit to the legitimate ambition of all Christians. Mrs. Eddy in all her writings has emphasized the need of service to our fellow men, rather than that we should be dependent upon them. She has taught, as did Jesus, that the greatest spiritual growth is to be had only through ministry to the needs of others—the loving kindness which seeks not its own, yet finds it in another's good; that even so small a deed as the giving of a cup of cold water in the name of the Master, is not without its reward.

It is this spirit of consecrated service which has impelled Christian Scientists to give so freely of their time and money for the building of churches, the maintenance of reading-rooms, the giving of lectures, and such other work as would be of service to all who are afflicted and all who earnestly desire to learn of this healing truth; that by which they themselves have benefited, they fain would share with those in need of relief. This ministry goes hand in hand with obedience to Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom of God, because of which unselfish seeking he promised that all other things should be added. And it carries with it the idea expressed by Paul to the Romans when he said, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." If we truly love God, that love will find an outlet, we shall become channels of good from an unfailing source.

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