Editorial May 12, 2014 ISSUE

Not just called, but chosen

The Editors

Many people feel they have a “calling”—whether in sports, business, the arts, teaching, farming, etc. However, it’s interesting that in concluding the parable of the king’s wedding celebration for his son, Christ Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14 ).

What did he mean? Jesus offered the way to universal salvation; he pointed out clearly the path to absolute freedom from all limitations of mortal belief, yet he recognized how very few were actually prepared to take the needed steps forward, out of material belief, to follow his example of Christ-healing. 

Some have heard the calling of Christian Science with a sincere desire, a heartfelt willingness to learn what it teaches, but have struggled with discouragement when their prayers didn’t quickly lift them from an illness or a financial challenge, for example. The calling then seemed to dim in the suggestion that they weren’t chosen to practice spiritual healing—that it just wasn’t something they were equipped to do.

That message was for every one of Mary Baker Eddy’s followers, then and now—not for an “elite” few.

But do we have to feel disheartened when the destruction of evil beliefs requires persistence, inspiration, and a commitment to spiritual growth? Not if we have on what Mary Baker Eddy termed our “wedding garment,” our spiritual and practical readiness as the chosen for healing the sick and sinning! In a message sent to The Mother Church in 1900, Mrs. Eddy wrote, “To-day you have come to Love’s feast, and you kneel at its altar. May you have on a wedding garment new and old, and the touch of the hem of this garment heal the sick and the sinner!” (Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 15 ).

That message was for every one of her followers, then and now—not for an “elite” few full-time Christian Science practitioners and teachers! 

Is being called and being chosen essentially the same thing? Not exactly. To be called means to be invited or asked. To be chosen means we’ve been selected as fit; we’ve been designated. Being chosen carries a built-in obligation to accept the fact that we’ve been appointed by God to be healers for the world. 

The choosing works both ways. While God chooses us for His service, we need to rise to the point of realizing that we have indeed been chosen for a holy purpose. This takes us beyond mere profession. It includes setting aside a mortal sense of self and wearing the “wedding garment,” making that commitment, with grace, resolve, and joy. As we gain a fuller appreciation of what it means to be chosen, we will surely rise to our God-appointed office as healers.

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