What is Our Business?

KATHERINE B. WRIGHT

In the one hundred and seventh psalm we read: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. ... He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven." There seem to be many kinds of material business, some bringing happiness and success, others bringing discouragement and failure. Do not the Psalmist's words show, however, that this "business in great waters" enables one to see His wonders?

Webster defines "business" in part as "regular occupation; work." On page 507 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says, "Water symbolizes the elements of Mind." Does it not follow, then, that the expressing of the qualities—the elements—of divine Mind in right thinking is the essential, indispensable, and highly important occupation? Right thinking alone enables us to be-hold the wonders of God.

It is helpful to study the four Gospels, for therein we find recorded the words and works of Christ Jesus, his words revealing the foundation of liberty, and his works showing us the way out of the darkness of material belief into the light of spiritual understanding. We read in the second chapter of Luke that, according to custom, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem each year for the feast of the passover. Once on their return journey they discovered that the child Jesus was missing. They returned to Jerusalem and found him in the temple in the midst of learned men, "both hearing them, and asking them questions;" and we read that all "were astonished at his understanding and answers." When he was asked by his mother why he had remained behind and caused Joseph and her concern, this lad of twelve gave the remarkable answer, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

What is the Father's business? Is it not the demonstration of the laws of God in direct opposition to so-called material laws and conditions? Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health, p. 273): "God never ordained a material law to annul the spiritual law. If there were such a material law, it would oppose the supremacy of Spirit, God, and impugn the wisdom of the creator. Jesus walked on the waves, fed the multitude, healed the sick, and raised the dead in direct opposition to material laws."

Someone may ask, How can my business be helped to-day by following the words and example set by Christ Jesus? The first step toward securing success in our individual occupation is to be about the Father's business. This means to be constantly occupied in right thinking; for right thinking, reflecting the divine Mind, demonstrates the unfailing and unchanging laws of Love.

Does the suggestion come to us that our business is poor? Have we accepted this suggestion? If so, we are not about the Father's business. We must refuse to listen to every mental suggestion of discord, failure, or lack by keeping ourselves busy with right thinking. Should mortal mind, the counterfeit of divine Mind, seem to present some suggestion of fear or discord, we must instantly refuse to accept it. We may be tempted to become dissatisfied with the business we are in, thinking another business would be more profitable and more pleasant. This, however, is but another phase of suggestion, for our success and happiness do not depend upon the particular business we are engaged in, but upon our own right thinking.

It has frequently been said that "poor weather brings poor business." This is not true. Poor business does not result from poor weather, but from the acceptance of wrong beliefs about business. Of the overcoming of sickness our Leader says (ibid., p. 194), "When one's false belief is corrected, Truth sends a report of health over the body"—and so it is with a so-called sick business. The false belief in a power opposed to God should be promptly and persistently denied, and corrected with the truth that God's law is the law of Love, unchanging and always supplying every need.

It is essential that we keep our thoughts filled with love, for the Master said, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." If we are obedient to these words, there will never be a "slack time," for there is always plenty of work—right thinking—to keep each and every one well occupied. In proportion to our right thinking we can expect success and see God's wonders! As already quoted: "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."

Let us strive to think spiritually, not materially, even if we seem to be on a tempest-tossed sea of discouragement. Let us heed the words of Christ Jesus to his disciples: "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Let us banish every thought of doubt and fear and become such active, true thinkers of good that we shall be able to behold the new heaven and the new earth, the reign of harmony, for this vision of reality is our desired haven!

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