Seek and Find

MARTHA VAN ALLEN BARRY

It is astonishing to observe how many people suffer because of mental limitations. Partly because of wrong educational systems, and partly because they lack the right mental activity, many do not take advantage of the availability of much they should enjoy. But along certain lines they may have been taught easily to share in the abundance of good which surrounds them. For instance, one may learn very early in life that water in practically limitless quantities can be obtained in his home: he only has to turn a faucet. In the same way, it is commonly known that a dark room may be illuminated by merely pressing the button of an electric switch. People do not question the ways and means of these sources of supply: they have learned that if they do their part the result will be satisfactory; so they act without hesitation.

In other ways, however, many are in much the same position as a despairing group on a raft who once were suffering from thirst. Shipwrecked far from land and driven by the wind and the waves, they did not know that they had been brought to where a river emptied its waters into the sea. Their piteous call for water, sent out to a vessel just sighted, was answered with the cheering assurance that they were in the midst of fresh water. In other words, their problem was ended as soon as they did their part by recognizing and utilizing the good already surrounding them.

Although they are in the midst of abundance, mortals believe themselves to be suffering from want of some kind. This mistaken belief has been prevalent throughout the ages. So utterly false was such a situation to the clear vision of Christ Jesus, and so great was his compassionate love for suffering humanity, that in his memorable Sermon on the Mount the greatest Teacher the world has ever known gave the unfailing remedy for all ills. He said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Then, as if to emphasize the practicality of the advice, he repeated his promise, saying, "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." He made it very clear that the reward follows the action: we must seek in order to find.

All nature teaches a willingness to seek and to accept good. The flowers turn to the sun for warmth and light; the trees and the grain eagerly absorb the tender rain and gentle dew. The cattle go into the pasture in quiet confidence that they will find what they need. Little children teach tender lessons of trust and willingness. When confronted with difficulties, they quickly seek advice of their father or mother, joyously expecting instant surcease of trouble as they obey. So should it be with the children of larger growth. If they too will trustfully turn to their Father-Mother God and obey His loving commands, they will find that the solution of their problem is at hand.

The lessons which the Scriptures teach show very clearly that each has his share to do in working out his salvation. The word "salvation" occurs many times throughout the Bible, and a careful study of many of the contexts reveals unmistakably that everyone has his own work to do. Thoughtful study evokes wonder as to the reason for not overcoming our difficulties. May it not be that we have not yet actively done our part in seeking and obeying God?

If we are perplexed and suffering, seemingly far from the health and happiness we crave, we should turn confidently to the sustaining power of divine Love. Then is the time to begin to utilize the practical lessons taught in the New Testament by Jesus and his disciples. Then is the time to study and obey the wise words of a later loving disciple who loyally followed the Master. Throughout her wonderful textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy insistently sounds an encouraging call for individual activity. On page 3 we read the heartening truth: "His [God's] work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive His blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation." On page 326 is another message to inspire us when distrust and discouragement seem like walls of limitation: "Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way." Then, as we press persistently onward, steadfastly seeking God's kingdom to be made manifest to us and to all mankind, we happily realize the peace, joy, and power of our Leader's tender assurance on page 444, "Step by step will those who trust Him find that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'" So do those who are daily striving to work out their own salvation begin to realize and to rejoice, here and now, in proofs of Christ Jesus' definite and positive promise of reward, "Seek, and ye shall find."

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