Article September 5, 1931 Issue

Casting Bread upon the Waters

AMOS WESTON

THE divine comfort and joy that have come to one his study of Christian Science can be maintained and increased only through continuance in well-doing. Continued satisfaction is retained only through conscious progress; and progress is made through the active work of clearing from our mental pathway the entangling obstacles of lethargy, postponement, worldly demands, and many other subtle suggestions. These interfering errors may seem so persistent, and at times so tenacious, that in order to make real are obliged to carry on a wisely planned campaign them. The nature of this necessary effort is indicated by Mrs. Eddy in the passage, "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work — work — work — watch and pray'" (Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 2). This rule coincides with the command of Paul, "Pray without ceasing."

In fulfilling these requirements, in working normally to overcome the beliefs of the flesh, one does not work and pray for himself alone: he casts his "bread upon the waters" for the benefit of all. In other words, the effort one must make to work out his own salvation not only requires the subjugation of selfish personal tendencies, but also requires the positive possession and the expression of a continuous interest in and love for mankind. The active, service-loving person helps to uplift his fellow man; he taps the free-flowing fountain of happiness, and in right living shows forth the purpose for which each one is created, as strikingly stated by Isaiah when he represents God as saying, "I have created him for my glory." With this view before us, how worthless become the aims of selfish ambition!

Multitudinous opportunities for glorifying God casting our "bread upon the waters" are evident in the great work to be done in order to quell the turmoil and uncertainty of the world; to still opposition to the peace of nations; to correct the paradox of overproduction, accompanied by hunger and lack; to subdue sensuous appetite, which clamors for license to demoralize humanity; to heal blind opposition to Christ, Truth, and its avenues for reaching the human family.

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