Article November 9, 1935 Issue

"They helped every one his neighbour"

PETER B. BIGGINS

THE ability to speak a helpful word in season to another is a God-bestowed blessing. When we are thinking in terms of helpfulness, our words will be helpful. Often a kind word spoken at the right time has given to one who has been faltering courage to on with confidence and achieve success. The prophet Isaiah records the practice of helpfulness in Israel, in these words: "They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage."

The Psalmist points to the source of true helpfulness when he declares that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Since God, our divine Principle, is an ever-present help, we are helpful to others to the extent that we reflect divine Principle. Since we come into close contact with others in our daily work, in our play, in our social relationships, it is well that we entertain a constructive, supporting thought regarding all. God's presence is proved in the helpfulness shown by one to another, whether it be in the humblest walks of life or in what some may regard as higher. Mrs. Eddy writes in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 166), "When we are willing to help and to be helped, divine aid is near."

There are many opportunities to express this kindly helpfulness in the work of branch churches of the Christian Science movement. Here loving, unselfed work is being done, much of it without any reward save the happiness of being helpful. A church officer, when elected or appointed, is entitled to the support of the entire membership. He has accepted the work and assumed the responsibility involved because, unsought, this work has been entrusted to him. Under normal circumstances there is a fitness in elections and appointments in branch churches. In so far as God's law is being utilized, personal sense subdued and kept out of sight, and each step made an occasion for demonstration, the one best fitted for a certain office at a particular time is found in that office. This demonstration aids the harmonious functioning of the work of our Cause as a whole. This becomes the rule, more generally, as we gain clearer views of divine Principle, and reflect the helpfulness of our divine Principle, God.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The Protection of Giving