Article December 20, 1924 Issue

"The poor in spirit"

WILLIS F. GROSS

If the student of Christian Science fails to discern the true import of Jesus' words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the kingdom of heaven," he may become an unwise helper, having "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge." Not understanding that the practice of Christian Science requires intelligent and systematic application of its spiritual teachings, he may try to help those who do not appreciate his efforts; he may endeavor to heal those who are not ready for Christian Science healing; or he may seek to save those who are unwilling to turn from the false pleasures of sinful sense. The wise helper has learned to wait until those whom he would bless are ready for the blessing. This requires patience and the abiding conviction that, in due season, faith in the reality and permanency of good will illumine human consciousness and prepare it for the reception of spiritual blessings.

Jesus demonstrated the truth of his doctrine by "healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people;" but he did not undertake the great work of teaching and saving mankind until he found those who were ready to receive his words and to follow his example. He knew that if the hearts of men were not prepared for spiritual teachings, they would reject his message. In the work of healing it was clearly shown that those who appealed to him for help were prepared to receive the blessing. To the woman who pressed forward to touch the hem of his garment, expecting to be healed of the infirmity which had held her in bondage for twelve years, he said, "Thy faith hath made thee whole." Of the two blind men who followed him, "crying and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us," he asked, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" And when they replied in the affirmative, he said, "According to your faith be it unto you." Concerning the centurion who came earnestly desiring that he should speak the word which would restore his servant, he declared, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." In like manner, on many other occasions, did he show that those who desired the blessing must be ready to receive it. It is recorded that in one place "he did not many mighty works there because of their [the people's] unbelief."

When he sent the twelve disciples out into the world to preach the gospel and heal the sick, he said unto them, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Here we see how he sought to impress his followers with the necessity of being wise in their endeavors to help humanity. He not only taught his students the eternal truths of being, but also carefully instructed them as to the right methods to be followed in presenting his teachings to others. On one occasion he said, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine." The disciples' work was of such vital importance that they could ill afford to spend time and effort with those who were not prepared to receive that which they had to impart. The Gentiles and the Samaritans represented the unprepared thought; while "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" were "the poor in spirit," who would receive with joy the healing and saving gospel. No good could be accomplished by preaching to the multitudes who would turn a deaf ear to what was said; for if the doctrine which the disciples taught was not understood, it would probably be misrepresented. Spiritual teachings demand much even of those who earnestly desire to be instructed aright. How much more do they seem to require of those who are not willing to make the necessary effort and sacrifice! For this reason the Master sent his students to "the poor in spirit," those who were best prepared for the fuller revelation of Truth. For centuries the world had been looking for the Messiah; but when he came, how few were prepared to receive him!

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