THE Christian Science movement is one of the greatest organizations for good in the world, and to be connected with it may be considered a rare privilege. One of the greatest blessings and opportunities for growth which can come to a Christian Scientist is membership in a branch church. Every member joins from choice, without coercion or solicitation from anyone; he is not drafted, he enlists in the army of God. He acknowledges that Christian Science is the truth, and is eager to spread this healing Science. Through a sincere desire to aid the Cause he may find that the step of joining a branch church is the most important one in his life. His membership allies him with a great organization founded on the understanding of God, divine Principle, built on the Rock, Truth, and governed and sustained by perfect divine Love. He is blessed by being a part of this great body, and has the joyful opportunity of helping at all times.
To be a successful church member, however, and reap the blessings that come from membership, requires constant demonstration. Wherever many people, or few, are gathered together, it is most advantageous to realize the presence and power of the one Mind; and this may be the first thing the member endeavors to do, finding it a joyful and satisfying occupation. No longer does he go passively to the services, perhaps to criticize the solo or the Readers' pronunciation, or to wonder why more people do not speak to him. As a member of the church he feels some responsibility for the success of the services, a desire that they may fulfill their purpose, but he knows that, first and foremost, it is the thinking of the Christian Scientists that counts. He can make the demonstration of being prompt at the services, so as not to disturb the Readers or distract the attention of the congregation; he can say a friendly word to a stranger, or at least entertain loving thoughts. He is convinced that the truth which is being spoken from the desk at every service can be heard by those present; that the Lesson-Sermons so carefully and prayerfully prepared are fraught with healing; and that healings do take place continually at the services. Who will not agree that it takes demonstration to testify at the Wednesday evening meetings? But the fear overcome, the loving desire to help someone, to acknowledge the truth and express appreciation of Mrs. Eddy, will break down the barriers of limitation and uplift the thought of the speaker, the congregation, and the church as a whole.
In working on the various committees the members have much opportunity for the realization of the reign of divine Principle, for the expression of unity, for the forgetting of self in working for God. Likewise, the business meetings, where many opinions and thoughts are expressed, present splendid opportunities for demonstrating the government of God, Mind, divine intelligence. Perhaps soon after his enlistment in this Christian army the branch church member may learn that the so-called human will, separate from God, must be relinquished, because it cannot govern correctly, but, rather, obstructs the operation of Truth and delays progress. The giving up of this human will enlarges the thought and opens the way for spiritual progress and growth. One learns to let God govern the church, to let the government rest upon His shoulders, knowing that human wisdom cannot take the place of God, divine Mind.
