Article May 25, 1912 Issue

"SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD"

ANNIE L. BAKER.

One of the greatest blessings which the understanding of Christian Science unfolds to the earnest and faithful student is the positive knowledge that all right endeavor is rewarded, no matter how much opposition there may seem to be. Several months ago it seemed necessary for the writer to find employment in an office as a stenographer, and all the usual means, such as advertising, making personal applications, etc., were tried without success. As time went on and there seemed no prospect of getting anything to do in this line of work, it required great effort not to yield to discouragement and stop trying to find employment; but, as the need seemed urgent, I sought aid of a Christian Science practitioner. The help was very lovingly given, and after a helpful talk with her I went home, convinced more than ever that Christian Science is true, and that when rightly and presistently applied it would solve this as well as all other problems that might come to me.

Opening the Bible, my eyes fell on these words: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Then came the thought, I have taken all the material steps, but have I been doing sufficient metaphysical work? Realizing that I had been working more materially than spiritually, I earnestly searched my thought to see what might be there to hinder the accomplishment of that which it seemed right for me to do. What was my motive for wanting a position? Was it, selfishness, pride, ambition, and a desire for material things, or was it to learn more of the truth and how better to reflect God? If the latter, surely I had that opportunity now and did not need to outline where or what my temporal work should be, for our Leader tells us that "when we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs our path" (Science and Health, p. 254).

Soon after this a position was offered me which, while it met my immediate need, seemed very humiliating. Pride rebelled, but after a severe struggle with self the position was accepted. Our text-book tells us that "Love is not hasty to deliver us from temptation, for Love means that we shall be tried and purified" (p. 22). Not feeling at all in harmony with my surroundings, the work seemed hard and at times unbearable. Again I realized the need of more metaphysical work, and a further search revealed much lack of gratitude, since every need had been met. After several days of sincere prayer and effort, one morning I was able to go to my work willingly and gratefully, and that very day I was offered a position where I not only had the opportunity to do stenographic work, but also to gain a greater understanding of Christian Science.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access