Article April 4, 1931 Issue

Wouldst Thou Serve?

MARION BERNICE WATSON

As each of us goes about his daily occupation, how important it is that he should have before him the right view of work. Perhaps we have not considered the quality of our thoughts when we awakened, and consequently there may have seemed to be a depressing sense of dreariness, indifference, or lack of inspiration as we anticipated the demands of the coming day. This is only the result of a belief of separateness from God, good, a belief that in reality one can or must do something of himself—the belief of false responsibility. To one the argument may be that of uncongenial companions; to another, of unsuitable employment, discordant relationships, lack of progress, and so on. And one may feel that but for certain material ties he could do the good he so much desires to do.

Regardless, however, of the nature and perversity of outward circumstances, Christian Science has a solution for the problems involved in outward circumstances. It has a solution for everyone, and reveals a great work which is open to all. What greater work could there be than that of going forward each day to prove the availability and efficacy of divine Principle? No matter what the particular vocation may be, there is not one who cannot take part in this holy work. It is an entirely mental process—that of right thinking, which inevitably results in right acting.

Let us suppose that one's present work does not conform to one's desires and expectations, and that one's desire is to prosper. Having recognized that true work is spiritual,—the reflection of divine Principle, of the perfect intelligence of Mind,—then is one in the position to see that progress and success depend upon the quality of one's thinking. If there is need of improved conditions, it is in one's thinking that the improvement must first be made. It may require much patience and perseverance to demonstrate this: and is it not too often the lack of present expectation of the good one so desires that makes the present day seem devoid of joy and inspiration? In such a case let one ask one's self, What would be the nature of my mental attitude if I really expected today, or even to-morrow, to see the solution of my problem, and to see more harmonious and satisfying conditions made manifest? Then, in the illumination of an honest answer, let him examine carefully the effect which this expectancy of present good might have on the quality or condition of his present work. Let him ask, Should I not, and could I not, just where I am now placed, serve a little more unselfishly, a little more accurately, efficiently, honestly, thus striving to express more of the qualities of Mind and to prove my worthiness of divine aid? As he measures his thoughts and actions by joyful expectancy, in every detail living up to his highest concept of right, then, just as certainly as the divine Principle upon which he bases his metaphysical work is certain, will a right human adjustment take place.

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