JOY IN OBEDIENCE

Archibald McLellan

One of the strong impressions which the visitor to a Christian Science church usually carries away with him, is that of the almost universal expression of happiness on the countenances of these devout "hearers of the word," a happiness that bespeaks an inward peace for which he has an instinctive longing, yet knows not how to attain. Oftentimes the desire for a like serenity is the silken cord that gently draws him into the safe haven of absolute trust in the omnipotence of God to heal from sickness as well as to save from sin, the omnipotence of Him "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."

Christian Scientists carry this atmosphere of radiant happiness with them into the world of every-day affairs; a serene confidence in Him who is their sure defender engenders that overflowing joy which brightens the day for all with whom they come in contact. They have learned that the secret of true happiness lies in obedience to the teachings of the Master, an obedience which lays hold on the promises of the Father and looks for their fulfilment; and they are finding that just in proportion as they give heed to the divine command to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," the kingdom of heaven on earth, here and today, in that degree are health, happiness, and all good things added unto them.

Strangely enough, however, most of us wait for the goad of suffering to drive us to that which brings peace and content to body and mind, wait till we have learned for ourselves the utter worthlessness of all material dependences before we are willing to trust ourselves to Him who again and again has proved the power of Truth to save to the uttermost. We profess belief in God's promises, yet hesitate to put them to the test. We long for that fulness of joy which the Master declared should be with those who keep his commandments, who believe in him and strive to do the works that he did, yet we fear to cut the cables of material belief and "launch out into the deep" where the abundant riches of the Father's love are awaiting us.

It is when illness, grief, and lack seem to be our portion that we have greatest need to prove the truth of the apostle's words, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." It is not easy to be joyous when the way seems rough and toilsome, when healing is long delayed, when our earthly all is taken away, and yet this is just the time when we may most surely rest upon the "everlasting arms" that are ever round about and beneath us. When through obedience we have come out from the blackness of despair into the glorious light of God's goodness and love, then we know of our own knowledge the secret of true happiness, and "rejoice with them that do rejoice."

It is interesting to note in the book of Deuteronomy, which sets forth the parting counsel of Moses to the children of Israel while they were yet "on this side Jordan," how strong is the emphasis upon the necessity for strict obedience to the statutes and judgments that had been given them, if they would realize to the full the good things in the land which they were to possess. So long as they were obedient, it was promised that they should rejoice in everything to which they put their hadn, and blessings were to be multiplied to them. The psalmist likewise was impressed with the joy attendant upon obedience when he declared, "Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."

There is good authority, therefore, for the joyous mien of Christian Scientists. They have in the Bible and their text-book Science and Health, together with the Manual of The Mother Church, provision for every need, every problem that may come to them in the journey from sense to Soul, and they have but to follow closely in the way again made plain through the life-work of her who was herself a loyal follower of the great Wayshower,—"a willing disciple at the heavenly gate, waiting for the Mind of Christ" (Science and Health, Pref., p. ix.),—to realize the joy and happiness that is their rightful heritage.

Archibald McLellan.

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Editorial

UNCONSCIOUS MINISTRY

April 15, 1911

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