Article May 21, 1921 Issue

True Consecration

ELIZABETH MILLER HARDESTY

"AND who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" One of the perplexities which seem to present themselves to those striving to demonstrate the truth in connection with every problem, from the standpoint of Christian Science, is just how to be in this world but not of it. In other words, is it best to give up social life, club life, and active interest in public affairs? Can one do so without becoming narrow? Error seems to put forth many arguments against absolute consecration to God, but the simple fact is, that every minute taken from the proving of divine Science is a loss of time. Mrs. Eddy has made this plain again and again in her writings. On page 3 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she writes, "The Divine Being must be reflected by man,—else man is not the image and likeness of the patient, tender, and true, the One 'altogether lovely;' but to understand God is the work of eternity, and demands absolute consecration of thought, energy, and desire."

Exactly to what extent the individual is capable of maintaining this consecration is his individual problem, and it is one he had best work out for himself, without any question of what is good or otherwise for his neighbor. What, then, is his true responsibility to his fellow man? His example is most helpful; his practical demonstration of the wonderful power of Truth in bringing harmony and happiness into his own life is more convincing than all else. The one important thing in all the world is for him to know and do God's will, and thus be in accord with Him, living close to Principle and obeying the Master's command, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Those ready for the great blessings which the understanding of Christian Science brings with it will be attracted by this shining light. There is always an assurance of the Father's loving guidance. He will make plain the pathway, so there is no necessity for being found anywhere where a blessing cannot be given or one received. Consequently, to be found where one is not in a position to "Stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p. 392) is simply to delay one's progress, and as such, to become obedient not to law but to the claim of procrastination, which, as Young so truly said, "is the thief of time."

To those whose pleasures are in matter, not understanding the real or absolute, the pathway of a Christian Scientist is seemingly a narrow one, since it means the renunciation of those things that constitute mortal mind's whole life and happiness. But it is indeed the broadest life that can be lived, because it is the most helpful, in that it blesses all mankind and helps to bring the kingdom of heaven to suffering and sinning humanity. The life of a Christian Scientist is an unselfed life, and an unselfish life can never be a narrow one. In fact, it is only through loving patience and a heart purified by self-sacrifice and humility that the work is done, and salvation ensues.

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