Article November 1, 1924 Issue

Loving Diligence

ELIZABETH MARIA CORDSEN

A very inspiring episode is related in the thirty-fifth chapter of Exodus. Moses put before the children of Israel the command of the Lord that an offering of gold, silver, brass, and other valuable materials, with precious stones, be brought unto him by every one who had a willing heart,—these gifts to be fashioned into a tabernacle of the Lord. In the twenty-first and twenty-second verses we read the responses thereto, set forth in the following words: "And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation....And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold." Fine linen and colored materials, skins and precious stones, spices, oils, and incense were also contributed in great variety, all that was given with a willing heart being made use of, until finally the craftsmen informed Moses that there was more than enough for the work. Whereupon, Moses issued a proclamation to restrain the people from further bringing.

It is very illuminating that God required an offering, not a sacrifice! That the offering be given freely or with a willing heart was the spiritual condition upon which the material gift was acceptable. The true, spiritual nature of substance was symbolized in loving diligence, and in the free offering. Free offerings involve no sacrifice. The true sense of lovingly contributing in order to meet a need, eliminates all sense of self. The sense of sacrifice is imposed by one's self, when he believes he is depriving himself in parting with his gift; and it burdens both the receiver and the giver.

As we learn of God's allness through the teachings of Christian Science, and grow in the appreciation of the activities that have their place in His kingdom, contributions to church buildings, or church activities generally, but typify true spiritual substance. When we clearly realize that abundance is a purely spiritual concept, and that God's supply for His spiritual creation, man, is ample and unchangeable, we shall provide, lovingly and freely, whatever is needed in the work. To him who fully realizes how unique is the Christian Science movement as a redemptive power in the world, and how truly God's kingdom is made manifest through it in the experience of thousands, it will become so natural to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" that no thought of personal deprivation will present itself. And of such it may be said, as in the days of Moses, "And they came...and...brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service,...both men and women." Speedily will they come, so as to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Loving Diligence

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access