Article March 5, 1932 Issue

Not a Self-Appointed Task

MARGARET HORN

The word "task" has for many people an unwelcome meaning. It suggests labor, implying perhaps fatigue. Often the word carries with it a sense of burden which must be borne till the consummation of the imposed duty or service. In the light of Christian metaphysics we are enabled to take a review of the subject. Christ Jesus had a task, not self-appointed, but divinely designated, to perform Part of it was the facing and the overcoming of "all manner of disease" for others. He bore insults and scoffs patiently, and forgave the malice of ignorance. His was a colossal task; yet did he not say, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light"? A light burden is not a burden. "He bare the sin of many;" or, in other words, he sought and found the liberating truth which freed many individuals from their besetting sins. His was the spiritual capacity which could truly shoulder another's weight of woe, sin, or sickness, that is, show its nothingness, and thus feel the burden light.

The path of demonstration that Jesus trod of necessity caused him to act in defiance of long-established customs and beliefs. This aroused the indignation of those in office, and they finally determined to put an end to him and his ways. While facing this human hatred and deadly purpose, and possessing through foresight the knowledge of the bitter details of his trial and crucifixion, yet he comforted his disciples, speaking to them of peace and joy. How was Jesus able to maintain such perfect poise and calmness? He himself has told us his great and wonderful secret. He knew already that the final overcoming of death was a foregone certainty. The Father's work was already done, and the spiritual understanding necessary to cope with the situation had been supplied to Jesus, who could therefore say, "I have overcome the world."

Let us feel this same glad assurance and certainty of success in dealing with every form of earth-belief that confronts us. Do we "serve the Lord with gladness," having implicit faith in the divine assurances given so freely to us by Love? This requires humility, a putting aside of one's own preconceived opinion or prejudice. One who possesses true humility welcomes the humiliation of material sense. In the consciousness which is earnestly striving to think in accord with absolute Truth there is no vain thought seeking to exalt itself above what God knows. Therefore humility allies itself with spiritual sense. It obeys spiritual sense, even though the odds are overwhelming and the way is long. Humility might be defined as believing what God tells us.

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