Spiritual Vision Determines Advancing Steps

"Every step of progress is a step more spiritual," writes our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy (The People's Idea of God, p. 1). How important, then, that we listen for and be obedient to spiritual unfoldment, which reveals the advancing steps according to God's plan!

The springboard which led to the establishment of one Christian Science Reading Room in the center of a business district was the changing of thought on the part of the members from limitation, apathy, and lack of vision to an expansive, unselfish, and purposeful outlook.

The librarian writes: "Heretofore, the membership had apparently given little thought to the larger purpose of a Reading Room, which is to serve the community and inform the public about Christian Science. There was also the suggestion that there were not enough members capable and ready to assume the greater responsibilities involved in a downtown location. When, however, the important mission of a Reading Room in the community was seen and acknowledged, necessary steps began to unfold."

The Reading Room, located in the church edifice on a quiet street several block from the business district, was then moved to an upper floor of an office building. A display window at ground-floor level demanded much effort on the part of those who serviced it. It was difficult to arrange and keep clean, but the work was carried on with joy.

"As our joy increased," writes the librarian, "so did our vision." The staff continued to gain a clearer concept of the purpose of Reading Room activity. A special study was made of the three words "consecration," "gratitude," and "completeness." Above all, it was realized that every spiritual idea is already established in the divine Mind in all its perfection and completeness and that nothing could obstruct the right manifestation.

"Within a short time the Reading Room was established in ground-floor quarters which were renovated to suit our needs. Neighboring merchants have called to welcome us and to express their gratitude for the attractive window displays.

The education and enlightenment which our Reading Room is bringing to the community are a source of real joy. We are well aware that the usefulness and activity of the room are largely dependent upon the consecration our lives express in the demonstration of Christian Science."

The impelling motive of our Leader in founding the Christian Science movement was her love for mankind, and it should be the motive in all Reading Room activity. Members of a branch church in southwest United States realized that their Reading Room, situated in the church edifice, was not in a location where it could best fulfill its purpose. They saw the need of getting closer to the center of activity.

Phenomenal growth of the little desert town, however, had precipitated considerable rise in rentals, and the argument presented itself that this could hardly be met. Some members felt that the first important project should be the erection of a church edifice. Others felt that since they were in a winter resort town, the spring of the year was hardly the time to relocate the Reading Room.

The Reading Room committee worked conscientiously, exchanging false arguments for spiritual facts about the situation. The librarian reports:

"It was realized that in the divine economy there is no unanswered need, because demand and supply are equal; and that the affairs of a Reading Room are both God-directed and God-protected. The requirement in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy (Art. XXI, Sect. 1) that each church shall have a Reading Room was prayerfully contemplated. Furthermore, it was realized that the activities of Truth were not influenced by nor dependent upon seasons, or climate, or economic conditions. Indeed, no obstructive argument could resist the power and presence of Truth.

"Today," continues the librarian, "our Reading Room is situated in an ideal location with three display windows. What is more, the move to the business district was made at the beginning of summer, and each month during that season the attendance has been greater than that of any winter month during earlier years. Sales too have greatly increased. Open house was held on a Sunday afternoon in June, and seventy-five guests were received, though the temperature registered 108 degrees.

"This move has enabled us to acquaint many of our business neighbors with the functions of a Christian Science Reading Room, and, in turn, they have extended to us a most hearty welcome."

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