Article May 22, 1926 Issue

Service

ALEC B. MURRAY

To qualify for service in a Christian Science church or society is surely the desire of every earnest student of Mrs. Eddy's teaching. In what better way could one express genuine gratitude than by taking an active part in the wonderful organization which, under divine guidance, she so wisely provided for the continuance and protection of her discovery? In the large majority of cases it is through one of the many branches of this organization that the truths of Christian Science are first brought to one's notice, healing one physically, maybe, and blessing one in ways too numerous to mention. And what is more natural than that we should look forward eagerly to the time when we, too, shall hear the call and feel ready to take our place in the ranks, thereby definitely associating ourselves with the Christian Science church, and indicating our willingness to serve in whatever direction we may be called upon?

There are few, if any, joys in life that can be compared with those which come from unselfishly sharing with others the blessings which have come to us through the study and practice of Christian Science; and in no way can we do this more wisely and usefully than through the channels our Leader so thoughtfully and prayerfully provided. That she considered such channels sufficient for every possible need is indicated in Article VIII, Section 15, of the Church Manual. Under the subtitle "Church Organizations Ample" she writes in part, "God requires our whole heart, and He supplies within the wide channels of The Mother Church dutiful and sufficient occupation for all its members." This By-law suggests an important point which every student will do well to ponder carefully, as failure to realize its importance may nullify his best efforts.

It is God who "requires our whole heart," and it is He who supplies the occupation. What a difference it will make when each worker realizes that the smallest task, equally with the greatest, may be rendered as in the service of God; and what a privilege it will then be to perform it! Since God provides all righteous work, it is God whom we must glorify in the doing of it, and to whom we must look for reward. There is no danger of personal friction, no sense of disappointment over work seemingly unappreciated, no room for self-pride, no fear of any experience harming, when each church member realizes he is serving God and is working so as to deserve the "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Service

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access