Article December 25, 1978 Issue

World class thinker

KARL ROEBLING

I read recently that a certain individual was a "world class" athlete. I thought, I'm not even an Elm Street class athlete!

I wondered if there was anything in which I would ever be distinguished or have great scope. A question came to mind: What is your field? Well, in a very fundamental way it had to be Christian Science—regardless of my line of work. Then I began to wonder why I had my eye set on the talents of others. Mrs. Eddy writes, "Unimproved opportunities will rebuke us when we attempt to claim the benefits of an experience we have not made our own, try to reap the harvest we have not sown, and wish to enter unlawfully into the labors of others."^{Science and Health, p. 238;} Certainly I had failed to improve many opportunities by simply not developing my special area at all, not praying for humanity as I was able to do. Certainly I was in the fields of others—wondering if, when, and to what extent I would have a career of importance in somebody else's sphere.

Deciding to put my field first and to stop merely putting it high on the list or in the background, I wondered what steps I could take. First, I could stop competing as if I were a mortal among other mortals, and instead realize that each one is an immortal reflection of impartial divine Love. Second, I could stop trying to distinguish myself above others. Then I could get on with my real work—worldwide ministry through prayer.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Healing by looking out from God