Article September 4, 1920 Issue

Loyal Service

LAURA LOUISE GALSWORTHY

A study of the two words, "loyal" and "service" in connection with the way Mrs. Eddy uses them throws a wonderful light on the beauty of their meaning, and reveals their close connection with the very life of the student of Christian Science. First let us hear the demand to go up higher which comes to us as we read the words on page 183 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty." Now, how can we be loyal to this demand unless we know how to render pure and faithful service to our Father-Mother God?

Following this thought comes another encouraging statement in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 12), "The present is ours; the future, big with events. Every man and woman should be to-day a law to himself, herself,—a law of loyalty to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount." Then the question arises, How are these demands on us to be fulfilled? We realize the reply as we read our Leader's beautiful words on page 189 of Miscellany, "The government of divine Love derives its omnipotence from the love it creates in the heart of man; for love is allegiant, and there is no loyalty apart from love." From even a slight study of the passages already quoted, the true meaning of service begins to dawn on our thought, the service that joyously, selflessly, and fearlessly yields all to God, content to wait on His Word, patiently and lovingly going forward, however slowly and sometimes seemingly painfully, firm in the desire to do the Father's will, steadfast and loyal in the understanding of Principle.

It is pathetic if not somewhat humorous to notice how if our judgment over some problem is governed by human will in its pride of intellect and certainty of right, not only is fear immediately manifested when we come up against those who hold opposite views from ours, but an intense desire seems to master us to impress upon others how correct we are and how impossible it is to have any other viewpoint. Surely when we get the human self out of the way and wait humbly and patiently for the true answer, knowing that Principle alone governs, only peace and a quiet confidence can fill our thoughts and we shall not feel it necessary violently to oppose or endeavor to suppress any expressions of opinions contrary to our own. What greater proof can we render of loyal service to our Maker than watchfully, jealously, and persistently to guard our thinking to see that every thought brings its tithes of love and charity and compassion to the spiritual storehouse of Truth. Surely as brethren bound together by the one indissoluble bond of love for Principle we can extend to each other the widest possible appreciation for the motives that actuate us and feel no need to criticize and cause unloving comments to be made and so to personalize error, but each in proportion to his loyal adherence to Principle can well afford to adopt as his watchword the well-known classic saying, "They also serve who only stand and wait," and so rest in the knowledge that divine Love alone unfolds the way.

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