THE statement of Jesus the Christ, "I must be about my Father's business," carried with it a far more significant meaning than was originally accorded or even thought of by his hearers. It was a clear, concise, definite statement. Its literal interpretation was not material, but spiritual. His vocation of carpenter was merely an evidence of his earthly business ability, while his works done through the Father were purely spiritual, for they were exemplified through the infinite power of God and based upon divine Principle. Epigrammatic, as were all of Jesus' sayings, the remark was comprehensive, forceful, prophetic. True, time has played sad havoc with the sacred words in question, ever since their utterance nearly two thousand years ago, but their real import is clearer, stronger, and more scientific than ever. They embody a fact founded upon the rock of Truth, and will stand for all time.
In giving these words even momentary consideration, one cannot but observe the logic and admit their essential value. Jesus' mission was one of good, not evil; to restore health, not create sickness; to promote happiness, not discord; to prolong life, and overcome death. The same problems confront us in this present age, and fortunately they are being met in like manner, more and more, day by day, with correspondingly satisfactory results. The only trouble seems to be that we are rather loath to accept and apply the truth, and make its adaptation general, as did our Master. Jesus' declaration had an express meaning; it applied directly to ancient days, but it is equally applicable to the present, and will continue in all the coming ages. Every day makes manifest this great truth, that our Father's business is our business; and that our business is His business. In theory and practise they should be identical. In operation they are cooperative, and their beneficence becomes universal; it is subjective to the one Mind, God.
We are working in our Father's vineyard. We are therefore His representatives, and as such are instrumental in exercising the functions of application, energy, wisdom, and resourcefulness, toward a proper conduct of His business. When activity is supported by the power of the one Principle, divine Mind, it necessarily terminates in good; and this means pronounced success. Business then becomes mutual, it is a copartnership with God. Without the recognition of this divine Principle, and the exemplification of the golden rule, our business naturally becomes a purely personal matter, and develops into an uncertain or unknown quantity.
