Editorial September 2, 1922 Issue

Right Service

Albert F. Gilmore

Humanity faces few problems apparently more troublesome to deal with than those concerning employment. To establish right relations between employer and employee has seemed to baffle all the wisdom that men have been able to bring to bear upon the subject. There is obvious lack of understanding on the part of each of the true meaning of service, and of the obligation entailed both upon him to whom the service is rendered and upon him who serves.

While progress may seem slight in adjusting what are commonly called labor troubles, yet contrasted with the past it is readily seen that great strides have been made toward the establishment of the right relationship between these groups. Investigation of the reasons which have prevented a higher demonstration would assuredly reveal that they are found in lack of spiritual understanding of Christ Jesus' teachings and of their application to this important relationship. The problem involves the very fundamentals of life. If it be understood that God is good and infinite, and expresses Himself through man, does it not follow that man's only right activity, his true employment as it were, is in reality the expression of divine qualities? Mrs. Eddy makes the situation perfectly clear on page 183 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" where she says: "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty." How else is this admonition of our Leader to be made practical than in expressing the divine qualities without limitation or cessation up to one's highest understanding, in all human relations?

Moreover, do not our Leader's words define mankind's only true employment, regardless of the particular course activity may take? When this is more clearly apprehended by the individual, it will necessarily follow that labor will assume its rightful dignity, and will become true service, because done "in his name." It will be accompanied with joy and thanksgiving, for labor thus understood will serve as the way to constantly higher unfoldment of spiritual Truth. Can one doubt, then, that employment under these conditions will be well and adequately rewarded, its remuneration being expressed in terms of human needs? Does not this view of labor embody Jesus' thought, voiced in his admonition to the disciples departing upon a journey to spread the truth: "The labourer is worthy of his hire"?

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