Article August 19, 1922 Issue

The True Incentive

HIRAM A. RODEE

A Large majority of those who turn to Christian Science do so in the first instance for some personal reason, and with a motive that is more or less selfish. It is generally some personal problem, and the discord and suffering resulting therefrom, that induces one to make this decision. Thus he gains an introduction to Christian Science. It remains for him to decide whether or not he is to enjoy the benefits that follow a deeper and more continuous acquaintance with this Science, acquired in the right manner.

If he decides to go on with the study, the results may be disappointing to him, for the reason that he still is actuated by the same motive that he had in the beginning. The sooner he discards this motive and replaces it with one that is higher and broader, the more satisfactory his progress will be. In other words, the student's growth in the right direction will depend on whether its activity springs from a selfish motive, or whether he gains the larger vision of the height, depth, breadth, and purpose of the Christian Science movement, and feels the uplifting impulse that comes from conscious unity with a great Cause. Thus, the time comes in the experience of each student when, either consciously or unconsciously, he must decide whether he wants to be a receiver only, or a giver and helper also.

While it is true that those who first turn to Christian Science for personal reasons only, may receive the desired healing, experience has proved that deeper blessings and a fuller sense of harmony are the portion of those whose thought of individual benefit is superseded by the desire to benefit humanity. And this is in accord with the statement of Mrs. Eddy on page 454 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," that "love for God and man is the true incentive in both healing and teaching." In a broad sense, all effort in Christian Science is for the purpose of either healing or teaching; hence, it follows that this quotation gives the correct rule for all study and work.

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