Obedience

ROYSTON LEE

One afternoon a student of Christian Science was walking along a lane among the hills of Scotland, pondering over "the deep things of God," when his attention was arrested by an interesting sight. A sheep-dog trial was in progress. Each dog in turn was sent by his master to seek out and gather in a flock of sheep which were scattered over the hillside, almost out of sight. The dog had to bring the sheep home through a special gap resembling a gateway, and finally usher them into a pen. This was done with the aid of his shepherd, who stood still at the pen and made periodic calls and signs to the eagerly waiting and ever watchful dog. How happy each animal looked! How quick to act! How faithful a servant he proved himself to be! It was recognized that the greater the obedience of the dog, the better his achievement.

Likewise has it ever been the experience of individuals and nations that in proportion to their obedience to their highest sense of God, good, were they successful. Christian Science teaches us what obedience is; how to manifest it, and so reap the good fruits thereof. Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, gives us this loving admonition (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 116): "Never absent from your post, never off guard, never ill-humored, never unready to work for God,—is obedience."

Where is this post of duty? It must be where we are, at the side of our Shepherd, omnipresent Love. How best are we able to recognize the call of Love? In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 323) Mrs. Eddy speaks of Christian Science as "the 'still, small voice' of Truth uttering itself." We heed this call by entertaining those childlike qualities of humility and receptivity which must have prompted Jesus to exclaim: "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight." And through our obedience to this call we are blessed.

All over the world people are having to learn the art of becoming servants to righteousness. They are always having trials or competitions which test their willingness; and those who are obedient succeed. Going out from the home circle the father is daily engaged with the tests of business. The mother has her examinations by the many demands of Principle that a home and family require; while the children have their "trials," perhaps in the form of school examinations, sports, or in their behavior at home. All these tests or trials should be looked upon as joyous opportunities to prove the intelligence, wisdom, and love of God for all His children. Instead of allowing thoughts of fear, ignorance, sin, and the many other beliefs of mortal mind to take possession of us, we should cultivate the habit of constantly turning to the guidance of our Father-Mother God, the Giver of all good, watching and waiting expectantly for His voice. This turning to God is true prayer.

We should be in no doubt that God hears our prayers when we are faithful, unselfish, and sincere. The Scriptures contain many interesting accounts of those to whom God made Himself known in different ways. Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 308), "The Soul-inspired patriarchs heard the voice of Truth, and talked with God as consciously as man talks with man." Christian Scientists, in numerous ways, are proving the truth today in similar fruitful experiences.

Let us listen for these angel-visitants and go forward faithfully, knowing that God in His infinite goodness is always blessing His obedient children. If during a trial the hill seems steep, the path rugged, the task difficult, material beliefs obstinate, then, instead of becoming bewildered, discouraged, or afraid, let us remember to turn steadfastly to divine Principle for guidance, and again press on. Thus we may gather all our thoughts, through the gate of understanding, into the fold of accomplishment and peace, finding our rest in the service which brings its own joy and success.

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