Recorded in the Bible are a parable and an incident which, though seemingly dissimilar, teach the same great lesson of humility. The parable is found in Luke's Gospel and the incident is related by Matthew. In the former we are introduced to a Pharisee who, holding an inflated opinion of place and of self, went up to the temple to pray. In direct contrast is the publican who had, to a degree, eliminated self through a deep desire to seek God's mercy. In proportion to his humility and sincerity was his prayer answered; therefore he, rather than the self-righteous Pharisee, received the blessing. Christ Jesus concluded this parable with the wonderful words. "Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

The other account refers to a mother who was ambitious that her sons should occupy a high place. Having doubtless believed that the kingdom referred to by Christ Jesus was an earthly kingdom, and with a human mother's desire for her children to have the best, she asked for them a place, one on the right hand, the other on the left, hand, of Jesus in his kingdom. Jesus lovingly rebuked false ambition, saying, "Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister."

Perhaps the temptation comes to many to look out from what they consider their small corner at others whom they regard as occupying larger places, and a sense of unrest follows. Is such a course a wise one? When we compare our work, our place, our achievement with those of another, one of two things is almost sure to follow: either we see ourselves as superior and, figuratively speaking, complacently occupying a pedestal or, seeing ourselves as inferior in position, achievement, and material holdings, we dig a hole and drop ourselves into it. In both cases a barrier to progress is then and there self-erected.

One may sometimes profitably compare his thinking of to-day with that of yesterday, and having found in the former a little more gratitude, a sweeter tone, a kindlier attitude, and a greater love for mankind, he may go forward rejoicing that the seeming barrier to progress constructed out of pride, selfishness, apathy, and indifference is surely crumbling away.

The paramount desire of every earnest student of Christian Science is to be about his Father's business. Is not the Father's business the recognition, the demonstration, of good wherever we are? Did we but realize that by every bit of good recognized and made manifest in our lives we are reflecting God, we would cease giving undue thought to the place we occupy, to the activity that is ours, and with joy we would respond to the call to service, whether that service seemed great or small. We can never estimate how far-reaching service lovingly performed may be. Possibly the only service we can render is to scatter sunshine and cheer about us, even, it may be, with perhaps few or no cheery words or smiles given us in return.

Every day is made up of moments, and we do not need to attempt to brighten the whole day at a time. Only moment by moment do we need to unsee the shadows by reflecting the sunshine. Sometimes the skies seem gray and the clouds hang heavy. Nevertheless, we can be sure that we can definitely displace the sense of gloom by sending forth rays of gratitude for the good that we know is ours. It may seem only a very little gratitude we have at the moment, but if we express it in a cheery word, a sunny smile, a happy song, we may know that it surely will drive out the darkness somewhere; for gratitude is the sunlight of the love of God within our hearts.

With increased joy and gratitude our understanding expands, and more and more are we enabled to prove by demonstration that the Christ, Truth, releases mankind from its burdens. More and more we comprehend what true activity is, and ever more clearly perceive the real meaning of place in God's plan. Thus we understand the promise given by our Leader (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 154), "God only waits for man's worthiness to enhance the means and measure of His grace." We need never be concerned as to what place we may secure, but only whether, wherever we find ourselves, we are serving God and mankind according to the best and highest concept we have of good. As we are faithful in the performance of that which has been intrusted to us, our heavenly Father will open the way to larger activities and responsibilities.

Undoubtedly, it is material thinking which would cause us to magnify and materialize place, for with a cleared vision we see it is not place at all we wish to strive for, but rather to be fitted for holier service. Through God-directed service is the real man expressed. Our Leader says, "Only those men and women gain greatness who gain themselves in a complete subordination of self" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 194).

It may seem a difficult task to subordinate self and to regard place as secondary; but as we do so we are clearing away the dust, the rubbish, the tangled undergrowth of materiality, and making possible the entrance of greater light. Studying the life of Christ Jesus, we find his greatness shining forth through his service; and whatever the service, great or small, he performed it with a dignity, a graciousness, a love, which lifted the service into a sermon. We find him washing his disciples' feet. Do we for a moment think of this service as small? No! What we see in it is a wonderful lesson in humility, a lesson not only to the immediate disciples, but to you and to me and to unnumbered others in all future ages. And the influence of that example will continue until there shall be no further need of the lesson.

Again, after his supreme demonstration over death itself, on the shore of the Galilean sea the Master performed the simple task of preparing breakfast for his disciples, the humble fishermen. As we contemplate this scene, are not our thoughts humbled and our hearts filled with the desire to see the service that is ours to perform; and, having seen it, shall we not humbly, gratefully, joyfully, perform it, wherever it may be?

If with the opening of our eyes each morning our first activity shall be the "Daily Prayer" our Leader has given us in the Manual (Art. VIII, Sect. 4), "'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!"—and then if we shall so live as to win an answer to this prayer,—opportunities will present themselves in the small things waiting to be done close at hand, the door to be opened to someone needing light, the happy word to someone looking for encouragement, the smile to someone longing for cheer. These are the small, great things that may so joyfully fill our hours that no thought of self or place can find entrance. By reflecting the light we shall help to bring to mankind the vision of the Christ, Truth. Thus shall we truly serve; thus shall we fill the place to which God has called us.

Copyright, 1930, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Falmouth and St. Paul Streets, Boston, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.