Article August 15, 1942 Issue

Blessings Contingent on Obedience

FREDERICK WILLIAM BOORER

In a study of Bible narratives, in both the Old and the New Testament, it will be observed that wherever a promise is made, the enjoyment of its fulfillment is found to be dependent upon willing and faithful compliance with certain accompanying conditions. There is no foundation for the supposition that one in need of divine help has nothing to do but ask and then wait passively for God to comply with his wishes.

Our inspired Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, makes this fact plain where she writes on page 3 of our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Who would stand before a blackboard, and pray the principle of mathematics to solve theproblem? The rule is already established, and it is our task to work out the solution. Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive His blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation."

The satisfactory solution of any human problem is directly dependent upon obedience to certain clearly defined rules and conditions, and thus, and thus only, can this desirable objective be gained. Let us suppose, for example, that one is contemplating a journey. His prompt and safe arrival at his destination does not entirely rest upon the faithful execution of their duties by the respective employees of the transportation company. The passenger himself must study the timetables and regulations, and be ready and willing to comply therewith. To purchase a ticket showing his destination, and then make no further effort to board the vehicle intended to convey him thereto, would not enable him to arrive at the desired goal. Could a business man who had successfully manufactured a useful commodity, but had failed to take steps to make it available to the consumer, reasonably expect to keep his factory in operation and his employees continuously and profitably occupied? In both instances, each requirement necessary for the complete success of the endeavor must be understood and intelligently applied, otherwise failure is inevitable.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Enlistment to Lessen Evil