A CHALLENGE TO CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS

ISABEL CRAWFORD

We find related in the thirteenth chapter of John's Gospel the incident of Christ Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. In spite of Peter's protests, Jesus was willing to perform for the disciples this helpful but seemingly menial service. In his explanation of this act he impressed upon them the importance of following his example. Mankind need to gain a true sense of humble, loving service in preparation for their work of teaching and practicing Christianity.

Jesus said to the disciples (verse 17), "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." These are words which every Christian Scientist would do well to remember, to think about, and to work with every day. For if we were to ask ourselves during the varied experiences of our day whether we actually adhered to and acted in accord with our own highest understanding of the truth of Christian Science, as revealed to us by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, how many of us could answer in the affirmative? So it is profitable to go deep into consciousness with searching questions, which we should answer honestly in our own hearts.

When we have studied the weekly Bible Lesson as outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly and have done our prayerful metaphysical work, do we maintain the scientific attitude of thought which we gain from the lesson and thereby help to meet the problems and circumstances of the day? Or when things get difficult, do we allow ourselves to slip into the world's attitude of acceptance of much that is mortal and material? Surely, here we can say to ourselves, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do [not] them."

When the temptation comes to say or to think, "I have a cold," "I have a headache," or any other physical disability, do we at once, as soon as that problem presents itself, obey Mrs. Eddy's command in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 392), "Stand porter at the door of thought"? Do we see the problem as only a false demand of mortal mind, which we look away from, unsee, and deny? We can say to ourselves, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Do we really know that our source of supply is not in a phase of matter, that it is not controlled by human circumstances or material conditions, but that spiritual ideas, which come from our Father-Mother God, give us our supply? Then, since we know that supply is not limited, do we give to our church in accord with the infinitude of God's bounty? What a wonderful opportunity this is to say, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them"!

No matter how trying or annoying certain situations in which we find ourselves seem to be, do we refuse to be harsh and critical in our judgment of others? Do we turn lovingly to God and pray that we may see all with whom we come in contact as truly His children, reflecting only qualities which belong to Him? Is not this the time to say, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them"?

Then—and how important this is—are we grateful, so grateful for all that Christian Science means to us that our gratitude is reflected in all that we do and say? Are we so grateful that spontaneously we rise to our feet at Wednesday testimony meetings to acknowledge sincerely what we feel, to thank God for His blessings, His guidance, His help? Simple, straightforward expressions of gratitude which come from the heart produce the kind of meetings which do most for our church and for all who come within its doors. Perhaps this, more than any other, is the moment to say with deepest conviction, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

Lastly, do we really put God first; that is, do we keep Him in thought constantly? Probably all the points previously mentioned are comprised in this one, for if we succeed in consciously keeping God first, He will guide us to think and to do those things which best prove that man reflects Him.

On page 177 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says, "Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes." In striving earnestly to accept that call, we shall find help in Jesus' words, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

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