Article April 27, 1957 Issue

"DOING A GREAT WORK"

[Original article in German]

KÄTHE M. OCKERT

One of the most beautiful and instructive narratives in the Old Testament is found in the book of Nehemiah. Here we are told that Nehemiah, who was permitted by the Persian king to return to Jerusalem, inspired the Jews to help him rebuild the city walls, which were in ruins. Of particular interest in this narrative is the wisdom and persistence exercised by Nehemiah in withstanding the enticements and threats of his enemies. He said on one occasion (Neh. 6:3), "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

It was his enemies' intention not only to delay Nehemiah's work, but to thwart it altogether. Accustomed to listen for God's voice and to obey it implicitly, Nehemiah saw through the evil intentions of his enemies and nullified these intentions by continuing with greater watchfulness the work he had begun and thus completing it successfully.

Spiritually understood, a wall represents thoughts of protection and safety for all within its confines. The Christian Scientist is ever conscious of the fact that like Nehemiah, he is working on a wall which is to protect his consciousness. He lays one stone upon another, one thought of truth upon another, in this spiritual wall. His spiritual alertness prevents erroneous beliefs from occupying his thinking, from disturbing or interrupting the important work of building up an improved consciousness of God, good. He knows that such spiritual awareness is essential to his individual manifestation of perfect health, satisfying human relationships, and successful endeavor, indeed to the harmony of his whole being. He strives to let no adverse circumstance or influence deter him from acknowledging as real and substantial that which is in accord with God, Spirit, good.

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