Article December 10, 1938 Issue

How to Worship God

ETHEL COLWELL SMITH

In her first address in The Mother Church, our Leader said (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 106): "It has long been a question of earnest import, How shall mankind worship the most adorable, but most unadored,—and where shall begin that praise that shall never end? Beneath, above, beyond, methinks I hear the soft, sweet sigh of angels answering, 'So live, that your lives attest your sincerity and resound His praise.'" Those who engage in the satisfying task of serving God, find life productive, progressive, and healthful. To "so live" in sincerity and praise reduces Christianity to a mode of living in the daily, gracious, upright service of God and His Christ. Paul recognized this centuries ago, for as he stood in the midst of Mars' Hill and saw the inscription, "TO THE UNKNOWN GOD," he said to the Athenians, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you."

Paul could speak authoritatively on the right way to worship, for he himself had come out of great depths of prejudice and false theology. He had consented to the stoning of Stephen, one of the most loyal disciples of Jesus, and later it is recorded that he "made havock of the church." Yet on that memorable journey to Damascus, his understanding was enlightened, he recognized the Christ and began almost immediately to preach the truth which had completely regenerated his mode of living, and had become a real and practical fact to him. He lived his Christianity with so much consecration and success that his words and works have been an inspiration throughout the centuries. His daily affairs were henceforth governed by compassionate, impartial love. He left many workable rules for living and loving, healing and teaching.

Students of Christian Science are gratefully acknowledging that man is made in the likeness of Spirit, God. They are learning to worship, not "THE UNKNOWN GOD," but one whom, as they know Him better, they love more and serve more joyously. Jesus said to the woman at the well in Samaria, "Ye worship ye know not what;" and added, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Paul was a Roman citizen, but that he grasped with conviction this teaching of the Master is plain, for he taught, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

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