Editorial January 1, 1938 ISSUE

"Lift up a standard for the people"

Duncan Sinclair

Isaiah's words come vividly to the thought of every genuine Christian Scientist: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." "Prepare ye the way of the people; ... lift up a standard for the people" (Isaiah 60:1; 62:10 ). The prophet's appeal is to them, for, through Christian Science, Truth has come to their understanding, the Christ has been revealed to them.

But are you certain of that? asks the skeptic. The Christian Scientist answers unhesitatingly, Yes, because I have proved the power of Christ, Truth, in my experience. He may go on to tell of a healing he has had of sickness or sin; or he may recount how he has lost a dread of lack, and now enjoys a sense of abundance. The Christian Scientist is sure of his position, for he has demonstrated its soundness. Moreover, he is acquainted with the fact that in numerous ways the truth which Christian Science reveals has met the needs of others, and because of this they, like himself, now rejoice in the spiritual freedom they have obtained. Indeed, it is common knowledge that Christian Science has healed many of so-called incurable disease, cleansed others from inveterate sin, restored a measure of prosperity to a multitude too great to number.

When one has proved for himself the truth which Christian Science reveals, what is the most natural thing for him to do? Is it not that he should tell others of his discovery and the liberation it has brought him? Christ Jesus expected his followers to do just that. He said (Matthew 5:15 ), "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." We should let our spiritual light shine. But this must be done in a wise way, for not everyone is ready for spiritual truth, not everyone is prepared to receive it. We have therefore to seek divine Mind's guidance continually as to whom we shall bring Christian Science, and when we shall do so.

There are many ways in which, under divine guidance, we can "lift up a standard for the people." At a testimony meeting in a Christian Science church we may testify to what Christian Science has done for us, or we may write our testimony for the Christian Science periodicals. Testimonies of healing are of great value, since they encourage those who hear or read them to study Christian Science for themselves, in order to learn of the spiritual truth which heals. It has often occurred that a healing has taken place while one has listened to a testimony of healing or while reading one. Mrs. Eddy writes of "Testimonials" in the Church Manual (Art. VIII, Sect. 24 ): "Testimony in regard to the healing of the sick is highly important. More than a mere rehearsal of blessings, it scales the pinnacle of praise and illustrates the demonstration of Christ, 'who healeth all thy diseases' (Psalm 103:3)." In bearing wise testimony to the healing power of Christian Science we are lifting "up a standard for the people;" we are letting our light shine.

We can also bear witness to Truth by writing for the Christian Science periodicals. Those with experience may tell in an article how Christian Science has helped them in their work—how they have applied the truth in meeting erroneous conditions. If this is done in an interesting way it will not fail to prove helpful to the beginner, and to others also, in the study and practice of Christian Science. Writing from a purely theoretical point of view may have a certain value, but, speaking generally, it cannot compare in helpfulness with the more practical article, that is, the article which is based upon the demonstration of spiritual truth.

Before writing an article for the periodicals one should ask oneself, What is my motive in this? Am I desirous of writing chiefly that an article may appear under my name? If that be the motive, it savors of self-glorification. There is a true motive for writing for our periodicals, a motive which inspires both articles and testimonies. It is love for God and man. With love in our hearts we hear Truth's voice; we convey Truth's message; we wisely tell others of the blessings which the understanding of Truth has brought us.

Christian Scientists have ample opportunity in their daily lives to help their fellow men. We should realize this and keep ourselves ready for the work—spiritually ready. This means consecration. And consecration, in turn, means prayerful and devoted study of Christian Science, and faithful application of its truths. Mrs. Eddy has written on page 126 of "Miscellaneous Writings": "No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good example. Works, more than words, should characterize Christian Scientists." By our works, our good example, better than in any other way, can we "lift up a standard for the people."

Duncan Sinclair
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Happiness "in conformity with Christ"
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