Universal Activity

Violet Ker Seymer

The words of Christ Jesus, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work," convey the true spirit of activity and point to its unfailing source. What does this scientific understanding of activity do for the student of Christian Science? It brings him countless proofs that in his effort to live rightly he is not working alone. It assures him that in all his right endeavors he is directed and sustained by the omniactive laws of divine Principle, and that these laws are expressed in intelligence and order, wisdom and unselfed love. The understanding of true activity lifts his thought above pride of accomplishment and dread of failure.

Throughout the world Christian Scientists unite in expressing the redemptive power of infinite Mind, and the work of each helps the work of all. In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 165), "As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good."

Perhaps a student is the only representative of Christian Science in his vicinity. At times the way may seem steep and lonely, and he may long for helpful companionship. Then let him faithfully rejoice in the great unseen company of his fellow workers who are actively demonstrating the power of divine Principle, even as he can do. Co-operative activity carried on in the Cause of Christian Science multiplies the evidence of one God, one universal good, in which all true workers are united. Universal activity is the law of creation, and blessed is he who obeys this law. He has always with him "an innumerable company of angels" to inspire, guard, and strengthen him.

In the parable of the talents the "nobleman" said to his servants, "Occupy till I come." On this basis the Christian Scientist occupies himself with multiplying his talent, multiplying the proofs of the omnipotence of divine Truth, Life, and Love. In this endeavor, the overzealous worker may at times fill his nets too full. He may forget to forward his own spiritual growth through quiet study and prayer, faithfully planned for, in spite of the manifold calls upon his time and service. For these or other reasons, he may have come to regard his work as pressing and burdensome. But when he reminds himself that his activity as a Christian Scientist is merely the reflection of infinite Mind, he is confident that "the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." He gives God the glory, and so finds his work fruitful and restful.

It is not tiring, but energizing, to bear witness to the omniaction of Truth and Love. It is refreshing to abide in a true state of thought. One is not required to solve a single problem, to heal sickness or destroy sin, through any personal ability. What he has to do as a Christian Scientist is to deny and reject the would-be interference of mortal mind and its claim to perverse activity, obstinate and obstructive influence. In the reflection of Mind's omniaction, there is no resistance to good, no inertia, no overaction or weary reaction. Having cleared his thought of these superstitions, the student is free to express the harmonious activity and indisputable authority of the divine Principle, Love. Throughout each day he is required to depend utterly upon the infinite resources of divine Mind. In proportion as he does this, he sees Mind's reflected activity bringing forth health, strength, purity, wisdom, joyousness in human experience, wherever this activity is understood and expressed.

In her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 our Leader writes (p. 8): "The energy that saves sinners and heals the sick is divine: and Love is the Principle thereof. Scientific Christianity works out the rule of spiritual love; it makes man active, it prompts perpetual goodness, for the ego, or I, goes to the Father, whereby man is Godlike." Demonstration in Christian Science is the result of unwavering acknowledgment of the one perfect spiritual creation and its all-enfolding blessedness. In this acknowledgment lies the secret of all healing and redemptive activity. Restfully, then, the Christian Scientist bears witness to the fact stated by our Leader in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 240): "Mind is perpetual motion. Its symbol is the sphere. The rotations and revolutions of the universe of Mind go on eternally." He who depends upon God rejoices in the one universal activity and echoes the inspired thought of the Psalmist: "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise?"

Violet Ker Seymer

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