Promptness and Preparedness

E. J. SIMPSON

In the many problems of business, in matters of statecraft, in the stress and storm of militant conditions, in all the ramifications of effort and endeavor, promptness in execution, preparedness to do, and swiftness in doing, are qualities which the general thought labels "dependable." These mental equipments and their exercise are just as necessary (perhaps more so) in things which men and women call small and insignificant as in the big things. It is an old and perhaps a trite expression, but nevertheless true, that no chain is stronger than its weakest link. As the infinitesimal moment broadens into the hour, the hours into the day, the days into the widespread horizon of eternity, so the seemingly small things unfold and develop into completeness of relation.

On page 230 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader says: "Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing. A great amount of time is consumed in talking nothing, doing nothing, and indecision as to what one should do. If one would be successful in the future, let him make the most of the present. ... All successful individuals have become such by hard work; by improving moments before they pass into hours." One should not neglect the detail work, or slight any part of his duties merely because the detail matters seem either irksome or unimportant. Aspiring for success, one should start right. The work or occupation must be legitimate, the motives right, the purposes honest, and the desire to improve the moments sincere; then there should be no lack of confidence in ultimate success. And there can be no such lack when we fully rely upon divine Love for guidance.

Carelessness in listening to and in pondering instructions engenders more or less carelessness in executing them, and many torn and tattered experiences are written all over with defeat and disaster due to overzeal in venturing to carry out orders which have been but illy digested, by stepping outside of well-matured instructions, in overlooking some necessary detail, rushing in where "angels fear to tread," and doing valiantly the heroic but ofttimes unwise thing. The ultimate of the exercise of promptness and swiftness without the necessary preparedness would not be so hurtful were the overlooked or neglected detail the only part involved; but the uncared-for detail is the weakened link which makes the chain less dependable. This is true not only in Christian Science endeavor, but in the ordinary affairs of life as well. To the Corinthians Paul said, "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it." It is very necessary, therefore, in the exercise of diligence, that we manifest a due regard for the detail work, and thus do our part in making the body of our work complete and harmonious.

In the work of mailing or otherwise distributing literature, this should be done with promptness, and this promptitude should be well fortified with up-to-date mailing lists or by carefully selected places where literature may be left. Sometimes literary data lose much of their force when literature is permitted to pile up in the office or headquarters instead of being promptly sent forth on its mission of good. So, too, in matters of correspondence, letters and communications from any source should be accorded a prompt reply. By an immediate response, or a loving explanation, we may give the cup of cold water just at the time when most needed. Our preparedness in this direction will be strengthened if we familiarize our thought with the contents of the text-book and with the Church Manual. Sometimes a citation promptly given may fully answer the query of some anxious correspondent.

In connection with the duty of antidoting misrepresentations, it is deemed very important that corrections be made at once, though not without thorough preparation. One should differentiate between the quality of swiftness and that of hurry. Swiftness hastens on its mission, "shod with the preparation of the gospel;" while hurry seems to imply zeal without wisdom. With the wise exercise of intelligent promptness, necessary corrections sally forth, armed with the assurance that "God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory" (Science and Health, p. 571). Our readiness and ability to defend, and our confidence in the justice of our cause, are thus indicated, while preparation supplies our statements with the elements of fairness and correctness.

It is a matter of considerable satisfaction that the more open attacks upon Christian Science have become less and less frequent; but because of this we should not be found asleep at the post of duty. On page 249 of Science and Health our Leader says, "Sleep and apathy are phases of the dream that life, substance, and intelligence are material;" and on page 102, "So secret are the present methods of animal magnetism that they ensnare the age into indolence, and produce the very apathy on the subject which the criminal desires." It is therefore a sacred duty, in every line of work, to have on hand an abundant supply of the oil of preparedness, that our lamps may be always brightly burning; likewise, to be ready at all times speedily to respond to the call of duty, and be ever free from the snares of mental inertia. As one of our hymn writers has so well said (Christian Science Hymnal, p. 19):—

Abide not in the realm of dreams,
O man, however fair it seems;
But with clear eye the present scan,
And hear the call of God and man.

Think not in sleep to fold thy hands,
Forgetful of thy Lord's commands:
From duty's claims no life is free,—
Behold, today hath need of thee.

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Songs of Deliverance

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