Service in the Church

FREDERICK WHITSLAR CARR

Blessings are ours as we serve God, in whatever capacity it may be; for service is like the widow's mite, which is not measured by its face value, but by the love which inspires it. The most modest work for the Cause of Christian Science has its reward, its sufficient reward, in drawing thought closer to God. "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit," was the promise given through Isaiah by "the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity."

It is the quality of thought we bring to our post that makes our service big or little. Among the many examples of unselfed devotion found in our churches is that of the ushers. Generally, the better their work the less they are observed. As has been recorded for the guidance of the ushers in a branch church, they should serve so unostentatiously that the very efficiency of their service shall pass unnoticed. Not inapt in sentiment is the Bible verse, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

Yet an usher, like many another church worker, may have to offer up some unseen payment for the privilege of service, but in the overcoming of some false belief he receives his "recompence of reward." If he must now and then make an extra sacrifice to be on hand to minister in the church, greater activity and spiritual understanding, and sometimes healing, are his for the extra effort.

When ushers meet together prayerfully to discuss their work, testimonies are given of gratefulness for the opportunity of service. On one such occasion an usher related that in accepting his appointment he had found it necessary to rise a step higher and had been healed of smoking, a habit he felt was hindering his progress.

Numerous instances of sacrifice and bountiful reward could be told by Sunday school teachers, distribution committee workers, and others carrying on the necessary tasks in our church organization throughout the world. If the rich testimony of Readers and board members were added, it would greatly augment the record of victories and of unselfish giving, and swell the song of gratitude. Church members need to watch lest, when invited to serve in some capacity, they do not utilize a right opportunity. Jesus mourned over Jerusalem, saying, "Thou knewest not the time of thy visitation." May not the visitation of the truth come to us through the call to lend a hand in the work to be done for the regeneration of mankind through the Christian Science church? What Mrs. Eddy has to say on page 462 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" of the orderly process in Christian Science healing, may have a bearing on service in our churches. "Whoever would demonstrate the healing of Christian Science," she writes, "must abide strictly by its rules, heed every statement, and advance from the rudiments laid down." If in healing it is advisable to "advance from the rudiments laid down," may not this also be the plan of progress in our church work?

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child," said Jesus, "the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." When, as a little child, one accepts an invitation to do any church work, this may prove to be but a beginning of higher service. When the appointed task is finished, what joy to take as his own this benediction of our Leader (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 343): "Among the manifold soft chimes that will fill the haunted chambers of memory, this is the sweetest: 'Thou hast been faithful!'"

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