Editorial August 3, 1940 Issue

Opportunity and Ability

Alfred Pittman

It is easy to see why the figure of the shepherd has appeared so often in Christian literature, and why it has proved so useful. A good shepherd not only has the interest of his sheep at heart, but possesses the intelligence which they need and seem to lack. He knows better than they where the grass and water are good and ample; and he is aware, as they are not, of dangers and of the proper means of protection. Knowing these things, he provides for the needs of the sheep, often before they are conscious of them; and, consequently, they do not "want."

The author of the twenty-third Psalm pointed to the fact, which is fully evident in Christian Science, that the Lord, or God, is our perfect Shepherd, in that by nature He perfectly cares for His own. He is shown by this Science to be the divine Principle, Love, and therefore to be utterly kind and steadfast. He is ever present. He is infinite intelligence or Mind. And His resources are not limited. As the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy writes on page 60 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul."

The student of Christian Science soon learns, therefore, that whatever his need may be, whether known or unknown to him, God includes and supplies that which satisfies the need. Even though, to human sense, it seems impossible that the need should be met, nevertheless the student sees that divine Love can meet it. True spiritual comfort comes naturally through recognition of this fact in Science, and with the comfort, commonly, comes healing. But the effect of such recognition is not limited to release from anxiety and disease or other afflictive conditions. Active and progressive usefulness and satisfaction, which also are obvious needs of mankind, flow quite as naturally from the true understanding of God. With respect to these, and all else that he needs, the student of Christian Science presently sees that he can declare with conviction, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

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