MAKING DECISIONS

"Has God entrusted me with a message to mankind?—then I cannot choose but obey." Such was the attitude of Mary Baker Eddy to her lifework as stated in her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 31 ). Nothing could more clearly indicate the character of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

Many have proved by experience that when they maintain an inner conviction of the value of Mrs. Eddy's mission to mankind, weak hands and feeble knees are strengthened. Christian Science is the most important activity in the world today. A recognition of this fact lifts one above what appear to be personal limitations. How much is one willing to sacrifice mere personal desires for the opportunity to have some part in the great work our Leader established? That is the question one is called upon to decide, and he must decide it for himself.

The tendency to find excuses for not serving in various branch church activities is an example of trying to avoid sacrifices. But many have found that unselfed service to our Cause brings enriching experiences. In fact, it is always enriching, never impoverishing, to sacrifice a false sense of self for the good of others, particularly in an organization such as ours.

Mrs. Eddy gave her all to the organization she founded, and she expected as much from her willing followers. Added strength and freedom always accompany a willingness to carry one's part of the load. In fact, the vitality of our movement has been and always will be in proportion to the selfless service of its workers. There is no way of knowing in advance just when or how much what we do will bless someone greatly in need of what Christian Science has to offer. And, of course, the unfailing incentive for such service is always love for God and man, the love that Christian Science inculcates. To take each footstep under divine guidance is to build the confidence so necessary to bring one's work to successful fruition.

Seeking divine guidance is more than merely requesting it as though one were asking a favor. There is no separation between God and man, Mind and idea. Whatever one needs to know is instantly available because of Mind's omnipresence. The moment one begins to think of his work correctly—that in service to men he is glorifying God —ideas begin to unfold.

Christian Science is establishing the reign of Mind on earth. Intelligence is always enlightening. One turns to this Mind for the understanding and guidance he needs with conviction that it is already his, much as the flower turns to the sun and drinks in whatever contributes to its particular mission and ministry. To feel the impelling energy of Soul, or Mind, is to be prepared to do what is to be done wisely and with great joy.

The decisions one makes today are important, for they inevitably lead to more important ones tomorrow. To decline to participate in an opportunity when one should really accept is like subtracting when one should add and expect that this will enable him to arrive at the right answer.

The cumulative effect of individuals of varying abilities and aptitudes determines the success of any enterprise. And a wholesome appreciation of those who have served in similar capacities brings needed appreciation of others to the work one does.

The decisions made by Mrs. Eddy, and the vital questions of procedure which yielded to her clear vision and courageous conviction, indicate that she had a very understanding heart. In fact, her decisions had to be right if her lifework was to succeed. Those earnest workers who willingly assumed their responsibilities had much to do with the progress of her Church and laid the groundwork for the vastly expanded organization that is blessing the world so much today. The continued progress of her Church requires the same selfless devotion of present and future workers.

Of course, Mrs. Eddy had the example of the Master, Christ Jesus, to guide and encourage her. She saw the value of his turning to his divine source for inspiration and strength in everything he did and was ever mindful of what he said (John 5:19 ), "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."

The example of his disciples is equally as helpful to followers of our dear Leader today. In fact, divine Love makes the same demand on those who discern the significance of Mrs. Eddy's mission to mankind as it did on those who were aware of the importance of the Master's mission.

God, divine Principle, makes constant demands upon all of us to go higher spiritually. In no other way can we gain that necessary measure of sufficiency that enables us to exercise superiority over our environment, dominion over the false beliefs that we are called upon to dispose of—false beliefs about ourselves as well as about those whom we would help.

In our service to God there is no substitute for the prayer that enables one to dwell serenely "in the secret place of the most High," that he may constantly "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Ps. 91:1 ).