Editorial October 2, 1937 Issue

Kneeling

Violet Ker Seymer

In Mark's Gospel we read, "There came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" This running and kneeling appeared to denote humility and eagerness. Yet when the one sometimes referred to as the rich young man was asked to exchange his earthly treasures for "treasure in heaven," "he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." His kneeling, then, belied his mental attitude, which in one vital respect proved idolatrous and recalcitrant when put to the test. In spite of the good traits for which Jesus loved and commended this young man, he could not surrender his pride of possession at the Master's bidding. At that point he could not yet bow the knee.

Christ Jesus said that "they that worship him [God] must worship him in spirit and in truth." True worship requires us to give up the counterfeit worship of persons and things; also selfishness, doubt, and fear. This surrender makes way for selfless love, spiritual conviction, and dominion. Emancipating worship blesses humanity beyond anything that merely earthly experience has to offer.

Paul describes the "ministers of God" "as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." The counterfeit personal sense of possession, whether of wealth, fame, or friendship, must be surrendered if, like the rich young man, we would not go away grieved when Christian Science presses upon us its spiritual demands, simultaneously holding out to us its sure rewards.

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Kneeling

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