Article March 2, 1946 Issue

The Importance of Church Membership

BLISS KNAPP

Why is it important to be a church member? One way to answer such a question is to learn what is involved. We know that Christian Science is a religion of works, and that it does benefit those who invoke its protection. The nature of its benefits is shown by the experience of the beggar who asked the apostles Peter and John for alms as they were about to enter the temple. This man had been lame from birth, but instead of giving him money, Peter commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ to stand on his feet and walk. His healing was immediate, and, knowing that God alone could produce such a miracle, he went into the temple with the apostles, glorifying God. Such is the fruitage of divine power, and its natural association with the church.

Christian healing stimulates the desire to look into the realm of Spirit; it invites one to explore its divine possibilities and to grasp its real significance. Christian healing holds the key to the problem of salvation.

Knowing that all must work out their individual salvation, each one of us must become aware of his present shortcomings. The discipline of family life is helpful when it chastens pride and selfishness and marks the difference between right and wrong; it is helpful in character building when it develops respect, affection, and unity in the home. When one unites with the family of church members, he finds the same discipline which heightens the desire to do right. Church membership is a training school for developing the graces of Spirit in our passage from sense to Soul.

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