Right Activity

PERCY HUNT ALCOCK

Activity is the state or quality of being active, and "active" is defined in a dictionary as "causing or promoting action." Christian Science teaches that, since God is the only cause, all right activity must proceed from this one and only cause. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy has written in answer to the question "What is God?" (p. 465), "God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love."

A student of Christian Science overcame the belief of lack of employment through taking each of these seven synonyms for God and studying it in connection with right activity. It was readily seen that no matter what type of work one might do, activity was really thought in action; for successful activity requires the application of intelligence, wisdom, foresight, perception, and understanding. These qualities are attributes of divine Mind, and man, made in the image and likeness of God, reflects this infinite Mind.

Since God is Spirit and the cause of all action, all true activity must be spiritual. In "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says (p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." It may seem difficult for a young student of Christian Science to see how spiritual ideas can supply his need, which, let us suppose, is a position as accountant. First, let the student see what he has to give rather than what he can get. As an accountant he must understand the rules of accountancy and be able to apply them in his work. This requires wisdom and understanding. He must also be familiar with the rules of mathematics and apply them accurately, even to the minutest detail. Now, while the student may be working with figures, he is actually applying spiritual ideas, expressing wisdom, understanding, and obedience.

Soul is substance, for "Spirit, the synonym of Mind, Soul, or God, is the only real substance" (Science and Health, p. 468). Our real need, then, is not for material things, but for more spiritual understanding. As our spiritual understanding increases and we apply it in our daily lives and activities, we receive that which is necessary for our daily needs. This method of working out the problem of supply is in accordance with the teachings of Christ Jesus, for, after advising his listeners not to seek material things, he said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Right activity, being a manifestation of God, is governed by divine Principle. And Principle, being eternal and infinite, is always active and constantly available to all who understand and obey its laws. We know that the rules of mathematics are not affected by any incident, such as that of a nation's going off the gold standard. Then let the one who is seemingly inactive also realize that the activity of the divine Principle of being, which governs man, is never touched or hindered by any fears of mortal mind or beliefs of lack and stagnation.

Life is always manifested in activity, and man reflects eternal Life. It is man's divine birthright to be constantly active in doing good. Activity thus understood is seen to be a manifestation of Truth. The exercise of true qualities is now generally recognized as essential to right business activity. Truth in advertising is demanded by both the public and publications. Honesty is expected from both employer and employee. The student of Christian Science knows that man reflects infinite Truth, and that on this basis he can rightly claim the qualities of Truth, for which there is a constant demand, and upon which real business is based.

Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians listed charity—love—as the most important of all qualities for men to manifest. True activity must be based on Love, for only through reflecting Love can men put into practice qualities derived from God, infinite Love. In proportion as the Christian Scientist constantly strives to live and practice the Golden Rule, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise," he becomes mentally alert and eager to serve others, and in this service expresses true activity. This activity surely is governed by our Father-Mother God, divine Love.

As spiritual ideas unfold in our consciousness, we begin to realize that God does indeed cause and direct all right action, and that right activity is truly a manifestation of the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God.

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