Observations from a Nigerian Christian Scientist

Adegboyega Oyelakin

The Christian Science Publishing Society:

I always feel my belonging in this Christian Science denomination and my activities in it are to make the world a peaceful place with dignity for all, and to share knowledge of God's bestowals with others, giving as much encouragement to them as I can for the little contribution I have to offer.

The Bible and our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, teach us to serve by healing through demonstration. "Freely give," said Jesus, and the seal on all Mrs. Eddy's books—"Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse the lepers. Cast out demons."—is from the same verse.^{Matt. 10:8 (see the Revised Version);} Acceptance and digestion of the words is enough to remind us of the duty we owe to all others. The more we see to the needs of our fellows, be it aid, direction, or the like, the more we'll realize the importance of giving good, which is God's perfect will.

Abundance is here already for you and for me, and we establish it in us scientifically by accepting our loyal citizenship in God's kingdom and sharing good. Hence, when we pray, in Christ Jesus' words, "Give us this day our daily bread,"^6:11; we remember Mrs. Eddy's explanation, "Give us grace for to-day; feed the famished affections."^{Science and Health, p. 17;} In feeding our loved ones—even in giving presents to friends—we can show our love for God and for His spiritual image, man. Giving boosts the atmosphere and renews our inspiration. Mary Baker Eddy leads us excellently in her writings to give. Also in the Christian Science Hymnal we find, "They cease to have who cease to give:/Such is the law of Love."^{Hymnal, No. 182;}

In all our achievements, the prayerful efforts to overcome temptations will make us express our real self through giving. We will then become aware of the table God has prepared before us. Mrs. Eddy says, "The twentieth century in the ebb and flow of thought will challenge the thinkers, speakers, and workers to do their best."^{Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 9;}

When we fully utilize this metaphysical approach, our intelligence and understanding will be more Godlike, and we will find health is really inevitable. The truth is undoubtedly ours to prove—the truth that God's giving is impartial. There can be no victim of deprivation, especially as we remember—claim as fulfilled now—the promise of "no night there"^{Rev. 22:5.} in the Bible.

Everything spiritually good about us now is permanent. Even though all things do not at once appear, we will always be, in truth, the reflection of God, and this true consciousness can be gained and maintained.

Let us therefore wholeheartedly support the world's awakening to Christian Science and put all our spiritual potentialities into use not only for ourselves but for our neighbors. Let us give.

Adegboyega Oyelakin

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