Enlistment

HARRIET S. HOKE

Two dictionary definitions of the word "enlist" are, "To enter voluntarily the military or naval service;" and "to engage heartily in something." "Enlistment" is defined as "voluntary enrolment." Much is expected of those who enlist in such service. They must prove equal to the demands made upon them; must manifest courage, self-sacrifice, obedience, and endurance, and, above all, steadfast allegiance to the flag under which they have been enrolled.

If these splendid qualities are regarded as so largely indispensable by the so-called human mind, how much more clearly should their importance be recognized by those who voluntarily enroll as Christians to aid in bringing the kingdom of God on earth, that government of good which must ultimate in the extermination of all evil, including war itself — all sin, disease, and death! On page 450 of the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy has written, "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good."

On one occasion a student of this Science for many days seemed enmeshed in a tangled web of trying experiences. Finally, after a period of cloudiness, when she was more earnestly reaching beyond self to God for help, something of the import of enlistment was realized with startling clearness. Plainly, work had been done half-heartedly, and the student saw that she had not been wholly courageous, self-sacrificing, or obedient. With the error thus uncovered by the truth, the clouds quickly dispersed, and sincere gratitude was felt for the discipline and consequent advancement in understanding.

Christian Scientists have enlisted in a great service to humanity—how great, they probably recognize only in a measure, since the underlying Principle of Christian Science is infinite and divine. They therefore cannot be at ease in a selfish, limited, or intermittent activity. There can be no turning back, no negligence, no unwillingness to face the traits of the carnal mind with the whole armor of right thinking, in order to destroy the lethargy or mental apathy which would argue for surrender. To surrender to a recognized error means in a measure to delay not only one's own, but also the universal, welfare. It is incumbent upon the Christian Scientist not to forget that, in "the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all" (Science and Health, p. 206). Each overcoming in one's self of sin, sickness, or any other form of evil is therefore a more far-reaching advance than the individual incident may indicate, for it marks another step in establishing the kingdom of good in the heart of humanity.

Mind's ideas come to the receptive thought not for personal benefit alone; nor can true peace be found in idleness or isolation. Since spiritual harmony partakes of the nature of its source, divine Love, it cannot be enjoyed selfishly, but increases through expression.

The work of the Christian Scientist is to overcome evil with good; to overcome his own belief in a carnal mind separate from God. If at times the arguments of the enemy seem especially persistent, he has but to hold is position more steadfastly, patiently declaring the allness of God, divine Mind, until the truth is clearly recognized and its comforting, healing effect proved.

On page 295 of Science and Health we read, "The mortal mind through which Truth appears most vividly is that one which has lost much materiality — much error — in order to become a better transparency for Truth." Here one of the highest purposes for a Christian Scientist is indicated — "to become a better transparency for Truth." This spiritual ability was outstanding in the Master's service to mankind. It is recorded in the eighth chapter of John that he said to the Jews, "I seek not mine own glory;" and in the seventeenth chapter, in his marvelous prayer to the Father, he said, "The glory which thou gavest me I have given them." To strive to emulate his unparalleled selflessness is mankind's hope of present peace and eventual salvation from all that is material and imperfect. It was the spirit of loving service and fidelity to the revelation she received which led Mrs. Eddy to give Christian Science to the world.

"Enlistment" for the Christian Scientist may be summarized as the motive "to become a better transparency for Truth," and thus to enter upon victorious warfare with error. This provides abundant use for the armor of right thinking, and commissions, or empowers, one to speak the Word of God with authority, thereby bringing comfort and aid to the sick, the sinning, and the sorrowful, and lessening the false beliefs of sin, disease, and death for all mankind.

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