Editorial August 11, 1923 Issue

Duty Fulfilled

Albert F. Gilmore

It is the earnest purpose of every true Christian to love God so devotedly as to eliminate from consciousness all that is unlike Him, and to obey His precepts. Only thus is the commandment fulfilled, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might," — an admonition which makes no provision for less than full surrender of self-love, and complete submission to the will of God. Since man reflects God, who is infinite Love, nothing but love pervades man's consciousness. This commandment calls not for half-hearted, not for partial, but for full obedience to the all-pervading influence of divine Love.

Christian Scientists learn that it is necessary, invariably, to do the will of God. They learn the joy of loving and obeying Him who is infinite Love. Christian Scientists sometimes persuade themselves, however, that they are not called upon to render at all times complete obedience to the commands of Love. They can, they believe, meet the demands and, consequently, reap the rewards of obedience if they submit but in part — a mistaken conclusion. The necessity is for the full demonstration of obedience.

This false reasoning sometimes causes Christian Scientists to become negligent of their duty to support all the activities of the branch churches, overlooking the fact that the call is for conformity in all particulars to the demands of Spirit; that is, for full support of all the departments established by our Leader, Mrs. Eddy. It seems that there often arises an argument which would delay and render innocuous the work of Christian Scientists, both individually and collectively. It is not infrequent that, led by false reasoning, Christian Scientists become negligent of their duty in attendance upon the Sunday services, the business meetings, and the Wednesday evening testimony meetings of the branch church or society in which they have membership. It is sometimes urged in extenuation of such conclusions that one has attended for many years; that one is familiar with the lesson and does not need the service. How fallacious such reasoning! Suppose all led by such false premises should absent themselves; how completely would error seem to accomplish its purpose! The services were established by our dear Leader as the main channel through which should flow the healing truth.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
"Owe no man"
August 11, 1923
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit