Paul, in his second admonitory epistle to his friend Timothy, names many conditions to be fulfilled preparatory to becoming a true disciple of Christ Jesus. In his graceful imagery, he likens mankind to the vessels in a great house, some "of gold and of silver. . . also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour;" and he adds, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." Thus the diligent apostle states how one becomes a true follower, ready for whatever work he may be called upon to do in the demonstration of his discipleship. To purge one's self of dishonor in order that he may become a diligent and worthy follower of Christ!
As none may rightfully expect to gain the glory which he is not prepared to receive, likewise is it not clear that none would be at peace in the company of the spiritually exalted until he had prepared himself for such companionship by taking the footsteps necessary in traversing the journey from material belief to spiritual understanding? He who is not clad in a wedding garment has no place at the marriage feast. How, then, may one free himself from dishonor in order to be prepared unto good works? How may one attain to that condition which will enable him to be of the greatest service to mankind? From the standpoint of human reasoning, the process may seem difficult. But the student of Christian Science learns that by letting in the light of spiritual truth, dishonor and likewise all false beliefs disappear before its purifying influence. Moreover, progress is in proportion to the degree in which selfishness, the belief in life apart from God, is overcome. Selflessness enables one to help his neighbor to a better view of life and its meaning.
The tenor of the Scriptures, especially of the New Testament, indicates how great are the blessings which God has prepared for His children, for all those that love Him, —that is, for those who recognize sonship with infinite, ever present Love. The work of preparation is, first of all, to divest one's self of whatever would keep him from the realization of his oneness with the Father. May not each know for himself that since man is God's reflection, his spiritual, individual selfhood is one with God? In this understanding, may not every one in true humility declare in the words of the Nazarene, "I and my Father are one"?
