Article April 24, 1954 Issue

PREPARATION

RUTH M. BARING-GOULD

How often in our experience we find ourselves preparing for some forward step. We may be preparing for an examination or facing an interview in connection with new work; or we may be starting in business or some other career. Whatever we are called upon to do, we can, through prayerful preparation, seek to serve God through service to others. As Christian Scientists we may be anticipating church membership; or as church members we may be undertaking a new church activity which requires consecrated preparatory work.

Turning to the Bible, we read (Prov. 16:1), "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord." The word preparations used here means mental disposition. It is in our thinking, then, that we must he made ready for spiritual progress. In Job we read (11:13, 15): "If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him [God]; ... then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear."

How can we best examine our motives, prepare our thoughts for fresh responsibilities, and fearlessly consecrate ourselves for new service to God? A study of the Beatitudes in Christ Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:3-12) affords unlimited inspiration, and Mary Baker Eddy wisely included these in the first lessons in the Christian Science Sunday School. Indeed, these truths are reiterated throughout the teachings of Christian Science.

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