Article April 22, 1922 Issue

True Service

KATHERINE E. VARGA

After some knowledge has been gained of the teachings of Christian Science, many of us discover the sincere desire growing in our hearts to serve God, and we look forward with joy to such service, feeling that we are able through our study to serve Him in a better and more intelligent way than ever before. In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 5) Mrs. Eddy says, "The spiritual understanding which demonstrates Christian Science, enables the devout Scientist to worship, not an unknown God, but Him whom, understanding even in part, he continues to love more and to serve better."

Sometimes we are tempted to believe we are not far enough along in the study of this truth to serve acceptably. Seeing those who are healing the sick and bringing comfort to others, we look at our own apparently limited supply of spiritual understanding with doubt whether it will enable us to be of much use. This frequently happens when we want to outline just how we shall serve; but if we will give up our material concept of service and listen for God's voice, we shall be led to serve truly, though it may be in what seems to us a very humble way. False pride may tell us that, compared with the work of other Christian Scientists in the upbuilding of God's kingdom on earth, ours is but a poor and pitiful attempt. Error even whispers at times that our slow progress constitutes a hindrance to the cause in our community. But when these mortal thoughts crowd in on us, how comforting is the assurance of our dear Leader (Miscellany, p. 195): "To do good to all because we love all, and to use in God's service the one talent that we all have, is our only means of adding to that talent and the best way to silence a deep discontent with our shortcomings."

Mortal mind would always argue that we are not quite ready to commence to serve God, though it may be an earnest desire of our hearts. Wait until you are more favorably situated, comes the not very subtle suggestion; for we must know that if we are dwelling in God,—and we acknowledge this to be true,—we could hardly be in a better place to begin to be about our Father's business. Yet have not most of us listened to this argument, and all too often assented that to wait was best? Honest hearts, however, will not be long in answering aright the Scripture call, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Rejecting all the erroneous suggestions that have lulled us into apathy, and looking steadfastly to God for guidance. we can begin our service for Truth and Love.

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