Editorial April 29, 1916 Issue

"I was afraid"

John B. Willis

The paralyzing and stultifying effects of fear are perhaps nowhere more plainly set forth than in the case of the third servant referred to in the parable of the talents. In the three significant words, "I was afraid," we may find the secret of his inaction, his inefficiency, and his condemnation. They fully account for the sloth which, despite equipment and opportunity for service, could make no return when called to an accounting, save in the halting statement: "There thou hast that is thine."

The immediate result of this fear was secrecy. The servant went and hid his talent, and in this act he buried his possibility of growth and his capacity for usefulness. Instances of the same kind are not lacking today. One has perhaps received help through Christian Science, and instead of going out among men and showing his appreciation of it by his patience, humility, unselfishness, and good deeds, he allows fear of criticism, of being looked upon as heretical or peculiar, to dominate him, and so with the implements of fear he digs the hole in which he hides the treasure committed to him. What wonder if sooner or later the inevitable command comes, "Take therefore the talent from him."

Unexercised spiritual perception is sure to slip from our grasp; but through constant use and prayer it grows into fuller discernment. True gratitude for blessings received always prompts one to follow the example of Andrew and Philip, who immediately began to preach the gospel to those near them, saying, "We have found him" — the Christ. It begets the love of ministry, and it is this activity of gratitude which naturally brings about an increase of every good already possessed. The pianist is ever playing in order both to perfect and increase his technique; and so, as Mrs. Eddy has said, "in order to apprehend more, we must put into practice what we already know" (Science and Health, p. 323). This is the natural and logical order of human development, and it is no less true in the matter of spiritual growth than it is in that of artistic attainment. If we would make a fair showing when called to account for heaven's gifts, we must certainly acquire the habit of putting them to practical and purposeful use every day. He who buries his ability to do good, violates the most fundamental requirement of Christianity, namely, love for God and love for one's fellow men.

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