Article August 30, 1941 Issue

Encouragement

LAURA DUNBAR HAGARTY

Priceless guidance in the affairs of everyday life is given, either directly or inferentially, in the Bible. Down the ages has come the Word, pointing the way to spiritual achievement. It is not surprising that the student finds in the Scriptures a deeper meaning than he enjoyed before the light of Christian Science shone upon them. Nor is it surprising that he finds the Bible commentaries, written before the discovery of Christian Science, insufficient as aids to the practical understanding of the text. The facts of greatest value to him in the Holy Word are those concerning God and the real man, facts which call for the searching of his own mentality to find in what respects he obeys, and in what respects he transgresses, the divine order.

An illustration of the value of making individual application of the teaching of the Bible is found in the Master's parable of the mustard seed. Often that parable is regarded as setting forth the certainty of the ultimate universal spread of Christianity. There is, however, in addition, a more intimate, more vital, use of the instruction found therein. As the seeker asks, What of evangelizing import is there in this parable for me? he can find a wealth of joy in the encouragement it brings.

The mustard seed, "when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth," but when it grows up it becomes "greater than all herbs." Thus is offered the Master's lesson that even the smallest right beginning contains the power to advance. How that conviction banishes clouds of discouragement! Rather than focusing attention on the insignificant seed, or on the impediments in the way of progress, the learner is strengthened by the thought that the mustard seed "groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs," and even "shooteth out great branches." Nor does the parable end there. The sure prospect of finally being able to render acceptable service is an important point, for the parable concludes, "The fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." What greater incentive to Christian effort than the hope of reaching the vantage ground of ability to serve?

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