Article November 1, 1913 Issue

Promptness and Preparedness

E. J. SIMPSON

In the many problems of business, in matters of statecraft, in the stress and storm of militant conditions, in all the ramifications of effort and endeavor, promptness in execution, preparedness to do, and swiftness in doing, are qualities which the general thought labels "dependable." These mental equipments and their exercise are just as necessary (perhaps more so) in things which men and women call small and insignificant as in the big things. It is an old and perhaps a trite expression, but nevertheless true, that no chain is stronger than its weakest link. As the infinitesimal moment broadens into the hour, the hours into the day, the days into the widespread horizon of eternity, so the seemingly small things unfold and develop into completeness of relation.

On page 230 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says: "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present. ... All successful individuals have become such by hard work; by improving moments before they pass into hours." One should not neglect the detail work, or slight any part of his duties merely because the detail matters seem either irksome or unimportant. Aspiring for success, one should start right. The work or occupation must be legitimate, the motives right, the purposes honest, and the desire to improve the moments sincere; then there should be no lack of confidence in ultimate success. And there can be no such lack when we fully rely upon divine Love for guidance.

Carelessness in listening to and in pondering instructions engenders more or less carelessness in executing them, and many torn and tattered experiences are written all over with defeat and disaster due to overzeal in venturing to carry out orders which have been but illy digested, by stepping outside of well-matured instructions, in overlooking some necessary detail, rushing in where "angels fear to tread," and doing valiantly the heroic but ofttimes unwise thing. The ultimate of the exercise of promptness and swiftness without the necessary preparedness would not be so hurtful were the overlooked or neglected detail the only part involved; but the uncared-for detail is the weakened link which makes the chain less dependable. This is true not only in Christian Science endeavor, but in the ordinary affairs of life as well. To the Corinthians Paul said, "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it." It is very necessary, therefore, in the exercise of diligence, that we manifest a due regard for the detail work, and thus do our part in making the body of our work complete and harmonious.

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