The desire to increase his usefulness in the world is among the first aspirations which Christian Science incites in its student. This awakened desire, so vital in every individual's experience, finds no end of opportunity for its steady employment in the practical application of Christian Science. But should the concept of service be the personal, mistaken view so generally held by the world, the individual will experience difficulty in finding an outlet for his new-born zeal. Indeed, if he entertains the notion that to serve means to hold an office of importance or to engage in the larger, broader fields of activity where he is seen much of men, his service will render small return.
It is this wrong view which leads to the unscientific conduct of consciously or unconsciously striving for place and power, which conduct instantly shuts off the otherwise natural opportunities for humble service. Unwise zeal as well as the sense of self would overstep the bounds of wisdom and turn righteous desire into personal ambition. If such errors creep into well-meant intentions, there will be various unpleasant mental struggles and disappointments, for the seasoned and well-poised worker quickly detects these errors, and knowing that they would work havoc were they given the opportunity, he withholds his approval and blocks their activities.
When the elements of personal ambition and pride are eliminated, however, there remains an open field of most valuable service, one in which all the faculties of man can find ample opportunity for service of the most constructive nature. This field of activity lies within our own selves and is found in the experiences of every-day life, in the work of developing those Christly qualities of mind which are so requisite to put into life's experiences the very essence of divine realism. The art of Christian living may be classed as the most interesting and uplifting of all true service, and it is a service in which all of us may attain the highest degree of culture. The broad world is the workshop, and every hour affords us opportunity to put into use the graces of Spirit. Can we not all recall the pleasure of a few moments spent with some rare and beautiful character whose influence has proved a lasting benediction upon our lives? Then let us not forget that our need is to make our characters just as beautiful, through conformity to the Wayshower's pattern, and thus become true and noble servants of God, such as we find indicated in the Apocalypse, where we read, "His servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads."
