Cooperation

Duncan Sinclair

Cooperation is one of the world's great needs at the present time, cooperation among individuals, cooperation among nations. A few years ago there took place the mightiest rupture, possibly, in human history between a powerful nation and its allies and practically the rest of the world, a rupture which plunged mankind into a war unequaled in ferocity. The rupture, say what one may about it politically, resulted from lack of understanding of divine Principle, as all disagreements do, whether they arise between nations or between individuals. For nothing is more certain than that the greater the knowledge of Principle the greater is the tendency to cooperation between individuals and peoples, and the less the liability of disputes.

The question of cooperation is a far bigger one than the mere attempt on the part of more or less large bodies of people to unite for the purposes of self-interest. Such a union may be very much a selfish one; indeed, it is certain to be, if it be formed on any basis other than that of an understanding of Principle. And it can quite readily be seen how a union of this kind may be formed to attempt the defeat of the intentions of other bodies founded on high moral purpose.

If we inquire into the activities of men endeavoring to unite for common action, it will be found that either evil or good predominates in their councils. Rarely will it be found, however, that any such combination is altogether bad. But be that as it may, it is absolutely certain that should evil motives predominate, the doom of that combination is sealed. Equally certain it is that a union based on an understanding of divine Principle need fear nothing of an evil nature; its actions are bound to produce good results; it will continue to prosper even while its opponents are finding their union disintegrating and dissolving.

There is no body of people in the world to-day who cooperate so well with each other as Christian Scientists. The reason is not far to seek: they have a better understanding of God, divine Principle, than any other persons. Note the words "understanding of God, divine Principle"! Mere blind faith in God is of little value; it is spiritual understanding that counts; for spiritual understanding alone is able to demonstrate good. And spiritual understanding declares that Principle is infinite good, existing without an opposite—evil. Could there possibly be a stronger foundation for cooperation than that? If Christian Scientists were altogether faithful to it, evil would literally be swept from the world. Mrs. Eddy emphasizes this trait of Christian Science when she writes in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 264): "Unity is the essential nature of Christian Science. Its Principle is One, and to demonstrate the divine One, demands oneness of thought and action."

While it is joyously admitted that Christian Scientists cooperate often very wonderfully in church work and, generally, in promoting the activities of the Christian Science movement which they have so much at heart, in the interests of mankind, still, much more might be done in this regard. Are members' meetings always as harmonious as they might be? Are the meetings of the boards of directors or trustees, who are elected by the membership, always conducted on the high level of the Golden Rule as they ought to be; or does will-power or selfish interest tend to come in and reduce the level, making work upon these boards hard and unproductive? If such be the case, then assuredly the divine Principle, which the members of these bodies should be obeying, is being forgotten. "The real Christian compact is love for one another," writes our revered Leader (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 91). "This bond is wholly spiritual and inviolate."

Christian Scientists should be an example to all men in every department of the conduct of life. They certainly are setting this example by healing the sick and the sinning after the spiritual manner of the humble and great Nazarene! And the same understanding of divine Principle, Love, which enables them to heal disease and sin, ought to govern every other activity of their lives, whether it be of a private nature or connected with board, trustee, or committee work. Should not the prayer, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven," initiate their every effort and aid the promotion of their every project?

Church work is invaluable as affording opportunities for the conquest of self and the overcoming of fear—in other words, for the demonstration of good. And every Christian Scientist knows how this may be done. There is the frequent silent hour when he can commune with Truth and realize the presence—the ever-presence—of perfect Love. Evil may seem to hurl its suggestions against him, tempting him to think ill of persons, to believe in untoward conditions and circumstances as real, and to fear evil possibilities. It is then he must stand fast like a rock, knowing the allness of good, declaring the omnipotence of Love, realizing the availability of Truth. With the realization will come the joy of being able to go forth lovingly and humbly to cooperate with those with whom he is associated in the carrying out of the perfect will of God.

Duncan Sinclair

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Overcoming Fear of Separation

August 16, 1924

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