MINDING ONE'S OWN BUSINESS

J. MARSHALL HALL

One hears on occasion the expression, "He is one who tends to his own business." This comment implies that the individual knows what he is supposed to do and is conscientious in caring for that which is demanded of him. It also indicates that he does not overstep his position and authority and does not try to displace another. That which stalemates progress is oftentimes the conceited and tyrannical phase of suggestive thought that deceives a mortal into believing that he has been destined to regulate others, to judge and condemn them, and even to upset society or nations.

The Christian Scientist looks deep into cause and effect for his answer to every problem, whether his problem be illness, human relations, or any other phase of everyday living. Christian Science teaches that although Deity and man coexist, and man is God's image and likeness, yet God and man are not the same. God is the one cause and creator, and man is the effect of this divine cause. Science further explains that God governs the universe and is the only lawmaker, while man is the governed. God is divine Mind, infinite intelligence, and man is His spiritual idea.

We begin properly to mind our own business by witnessing to the operation of deific Principle and by understanding and utilizing divine guidance and power. Since God is Love, we understand that the best interests of everyone are served by letting God's will be done. The Christian Scientist has learned through experience that the divine purpose for mankind is always superior to any human planning. Mrs. Eddy states in her work "Retrospection and Introspection" (p. 90), "The student should be most careful not to thrust aside Science, and shade God's window which lets in light, or seek to stand in God's stead."

Christ Jesus, when reproved by his human mother, answered (Luke 2:49), "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Each individual has a satisfying and rewarding place in God's plan of salvation. This means that even in thought we should let our brother be free under God's directing to think out his problem according to his own lights. Thus we mind our own business.

Just prior to the ascension of Jesus, Peter asked him about another of the disciples (John 21: 21), saying, "What shall this man do?" Jesus' answer is as pertinent to us now as it was to Peter almost two thousand years ago. The Master said, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me." Wisdom tells us that to follow Christ, God's ideal, is the best thing for mankind to do today. One does not really wish for isolationism or indifference to the common welfare, but for the privilege of managing his own affairs under God's direction.

Personal sense in its tyrannical and dictatorial tendencies is disinclined to leave mortals free to follow Paul's counsel (Phil. 2:12) "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." We need to watch that we are ever conscious of the one Mind.

When tempted to interfere in thought or word with another's life, let us ponder the words of the famous Boston preacher, Phillips Brooks. He is reported to have said, "God has not given us vast learning to solve all the problems, or unfailing wisdom to direct all the wanderings of our brothers' lives; but He has given to every one of us the power to be spiritual, and by our spirituality to lift and enlarge and enlighten the lives we touch."

Following and practicing such counsel in its humility and simplicity help to promote peace on earth, health, and harmony.

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