Article August 9, 1930 Issue

"Back-Seat Duty"

HELEN E. MEZGER

At a Christian Science Wednesday evening testimony meeting an aviator gave a testimony in which he pointed out that by being assigned, contrary to his desire, to what in aviation parlance is termed "back-seat duty," which is considered inferior to piloting as he had been doing, he was enabled to realize his divine birthright of dominion over untoward conditions. As a result, he was freed from fear of a physical difficulty to which he had been in bondage for eight years, and which seemed to manifest itself when riding in the back seat. The inference drawn was that seemingly inferior positions, duties, and humiliating experiences may impart lessons which in some cases are necessary for our spiritual growth.

As thought turns to the Bible characters and their varied experiences, we find that they too did what might be termed "back-seat duty," and regarded it as an opportunity for a closer walk with God and for greater consecration to good. In addition to subserving their own good, their example brought blessings to subsequent generations. In the Old Testament, Joseph and Moses serve as outstanding characters in this category.

Joseph had risen to a position of prominence and trust in the house of Potiphar when he was assigned to "back-seat duty," as it were, by being cast into prison, and this in face of the fact that he was earnestly endeavoring to obey God, We have proof that he continued to persist and to succeed in his loyal and obedient endeavor to serve God in spite of this humiliating and unjust experience, for after two years of imprisonment and confinement he gloriously emerged from seclusion and was elevated to great responsibilities.

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