Article November 11, 1933 Issue

Our Greatest Need

MAUDE E. BEE

Our greatest need as Christian Scientists is to learn the truth about God and man, to appropriate it, and to make use of it in everyday living. The Master promised, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "Continue" and "know" both denote action. Not only the understanding of Truth and the apodictical recognition of error as a mistake are necessary, but also the continual, actual, and practical application of this understanding. Knowing and doing cannot be separated.

Our church services, the Lesson-Sermons, periodicals, lectures, and Hymnal, the faithful practitioners and teachers, all help us in gaining an understanding of the truth, but we ourselves must practice it. Others can help us, and by precept and example show us how to work; but the actual application to the individual need rests with each one of us. Doubtless there are healings where on first thought it would seem that the individual had done little if anything to help himself, but may it not be that in such instances thought has been growing more receptive and responsive? Receptivity is not a passive but an active mental state.

One may study the textbooks and meditate on what is learned; but if healing, both physical and mental, is to be gained, one must needs also apply, practice, demonstrate, give proof of one's faith. Jesus went about doing good; and Mrs. Eddy has said (Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 2), "The song of Christian Science is, 'Work—work—work—watch and pray.' " The word "song" in connection with "work" is worthy of note, for it denotes that joyous activity brings results most quickly.

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