Article January 1, 1916 Issue

True Service

EDITH GOODRICH BLOOD

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE is unlocking the treasures of the Bible, so that it is becoming more widely and intelligently understood. Even the merest beginner is continually surprised at the wealth of wonderful truths laid bare before him as day by day he learns and proves that he can turn to its pages for the solution of his every-day problems, be they ever so simple or ever so difficult. And as the spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures dawns upon him, he clearly perceives that humanity's longings will all be met when it is learned that we serve God truly by individually learning to think as did our great Exemplar.

To illustrate, let us see just how comprehensive was Paul's admonition to the Galatians when he said, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Scientifically interpreted, this injunction at once enlarges man's sphere of usefulness by opening up a vast field for right activity daily,—nay, hourly,—a field open to each man and woman. Generally speaking, however, to serve another or to bear another's burden means to exert one's self continuously or statedly for the benefit of another. It has reference in most instances to physical acts, labors, or material gifts. The fact that service can be purely metaphysical and so universally beneficial, blessing each and all at the same time, is not generally considered of very great consequence, if it is even accepted. Consequently if one accepts the material construction usually given to this passage, he can but find his field of service very limited, and each day altogether too short to number many helpful services rendered beyond the tasks he must perform for his individual or family needs.

Christian Science emphasizes the higher interpretation of service, and so removes this whole discouraging sense of limitation by teaching that acts, labours, or gifts are of secondary, not primary, importance in our ministry to others, though these will necessarily follow loving, helpful, and intelligent thinking. Indeed Christian Science teaches and proves that thoughts are things, that the metaphysical supersedes the physical at all times, and that each of us can serve his neighbor most by refusing to think any but Christlike thoughts. When one learns to "stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392) and allow nothing to enter his own consciousness that defileth the godlike man, he will be applying the law of Christ to all that he sees and does; and he will be a benefactor indeed, for he will bless all upon whom his thoughts may rest.

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