Article February 16, 1924 Issue

Giving

HENRY H. LINDSEY

Giving is the most profitable of all human occupations. Truly, this is rather a startling statement, in the face of the customary views of mankind, which are quite the contrary. Ordinarily, giving is looked upon as a donation that is made at a loss to the giver. Yet in Christian Science we learn that all true giving has its recompense. It is what a person gives that brings to him the things that he needs; but most people misunderstand this, and believe that getting is necessary for the prolongation of human life. Let us see how this applies in practical circumstances. merchant may be supposed to enter business for profit; but it is only the service or article he gives that produces this for him. He must consider others first, if he is himself to succeed. We see something we need; but it is what we give in payment that brings it to us. Human sense, however, looks at it in just the reverse, or selfish way. But whether our need be food, clothing, money, or a friends, it is what we give that supplies our want. In other words, we cannot give without gaining; nor can we gain without giving. When a business-man makes an entry indicating what he has paid or owes for merchandise to be sold, he at the same time has to make a charge, showing that something has been gained which eventually will bring a profit to the concern. This is, however, only the material or personal side of the question,—the reverse, the selfish view; and it is the source of all our trouble, because mortal mind always sees everything upside down.

Now let us look at the true or spiritual side. Here we learn that giving is the rule of Life. We give because God has first given to us. What we give makes room for more and better things from God. Only the used talent multiplies. Only by using our opportunities to do good is our own good multiplied. When we give up selfishness, immediately we add to ourselves the great joy and blessedness which come from unselfishness. With every unselfish act our store of kindness is increased. For every thought of love we give out, a corresponding quality of good is stored up in our own consciousness. Thus we begin to do in a very practical way what Jesus commanded when he said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."

Thus our consciousness becomes a great storehouse or reservoir, where we are continually accumulating an eternal wealth of good; and at the same time we are blessing others therefrom. In other words, the good that we bring out in our own thinking and living remains with us. Mere material possessions, so-called social standing, evil qualities, all alike bring disappointment; but the good we have done remains to bless. And it is all so simple, depending on our recognizing the right idea which determines the course we take. We must seek to give instead of to receive. God will take care of our reward. If this attitude were always employed by every one, the world would be filled with joy, freedom, and gladness.

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