NOTHING is more important to thinking men and women than right occupation. On every side it forms a subject which demands careful study, analysis, and disposal. Therefore, it becomes at once apparent that the foremost requirements in this connection are, first, to gain a practical concept of what right or real occupation is, and, secondly, to establish this occupation in one's individual experience.
It is generally admitted among enlightened people that the most successful man in history was Jesus of Nazareth; and the foundation of his success was, of course, right activity, right occupation. In alluding to this he himself emphatically averred: "I must be about my Father's business." "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." Thus, according to the great Teacher and Way-shower, the correct basis of genuine, fruitful occupation is the true or demonstrable understanding of God, who is the Father of all, which Christian Science brings to us.
Jesus further declared, as translated in the American Revised Version (marginal note) of the Bible, that "God is spirit." This shows that an understanding of God, or the Father, means an understanding of Spirit—of that divine omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience which is the source and support of whatever really exists. It means an exact, unchangeable knowledge of the truth of being—the truth about God, about man and the universe—as Deity Himself knows it.
Here Christian Science, as discovered and taught by Mary Baker Eddy, makes plain the teachings of Christ Jesus. This Science reveals undeniably that not only is God Spirit, but His entire activity, manifested throughout His infinite creation, is wholly spiritual. This, then, brings us face to face with the one supreme, outstanding fact, namely,the absolute allness of Spirit and of Spirit's manifestations.
Since there is but one Spirit, because there is but one God, there can be only one Mind, Life, Truth, and Love. Since Spirit is reflected in all that is real, because it is omnipresent, that which is termed matter, its causes and effects, is nothing, having no power, no substance, no existence. Logically, since Spirit, Mind, is the one and only intelligence and activity, there can be in reality no such thing as material activity and occupation. Therefore, that which appears to be matter, with its myriad forms and phases, its alleged laws, conditions, and action, is not fact, but falsity; not truth, but error; not reality, but unreality. It is not that which fundamentally or absolutely is, but that which to corporeal sense simply seems to be. It is a negation, a mere illusion.
And so, in seeking to establish right occupation, one must plant himself unreservedly on the unshakable basis of spiritual activity. He must come to know God correctly; to know man as His spiritual image and likeness, and the universe as the divine reflection of God. In brief, he must realize that there is but one intelligence and one power, and that these are of the Father, expressed through His perfect ideas in forever at-one-ment with Him.
When the Master said that he must be about his Father's business; that of himself he could do nothing; that he did what he saw the Father do, and sought not his own but God's will, he defined right occupation in the most consistently practical manner it has ever been defined. And through this perfect definition he outlined the way of activity for every man and every woman.
Twice in one chapter the Apostle John affirms that "God is love." To understand the Father, then, and to be about His business, means to understand divine Love, and to be active in, or occupied with, the works of divine Love. Any person today knows what that which we call human love is in its truest, best sense; and this simple knowledge is, at the outset, quite sufficient to enable one to go a step farther, and at least to glimpse an understanding of that Love, that divine Love, which is God.
With this fundamental fact knocking at the door of his consciousness, one is permitted to avail himself of a practically new activity, and begin, even though faintly, perhaps, the demonstration of divine Love—to prove its presence, potency, and applicability. If he really embraces this sacred privilege, and is diligently faithful in making the most of it, he will soon find he is following the same great occupation which engaged the undivided attention of the Master himself and made him successful. He will also find that the mental, moral, and spiritual reward he is receiving in return for righteous efforts put forth is wholly beyond human expectation and calculation. In a word, he will make a wonderful discovery, namely, that he is in the direct employ of Almighty God, and consequently is about His business and doing His will.
On page 252 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany"Mrs. Eddy admonishes, "Keep yourselves busy with divine Love." What an inspiring motto to hang metaphorically on the wall of one's consciousness! What a holy reminder of one's own individual part in the round of daily duties! When the world in general learns how to follow this pertinently helpful advice, and does follow it, we shall not have to wait for the kingdom of heaven—the kingdom of righteousness—for it will be seen as already at hand, right here on the earth. Neither shall we have to wait for any needful harmonious thing, because the infinite supply and goodness of Love will be expressed everywhere in the thoughts and deeds of mankind. The great start in this important direction has already been made through the teachings and demonstrations of Christian Science; and is it not a privilege to witness the grand results of this Science already attained in this present time, and to behold in them the promise of a universally perfect outcome in the times ahead? In the Christian Science textbook,"Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 174), Mrs. Eddy writes: "Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practised."
To keep oneself "busy with divine Love" is the genuine keynote of real and lasting success. Indeed more: it is the bringer of that pure, ideal bliss and joy which knows no bounds and no cessation. Nothing can possibly satisfy as does working for divine Love. Nothing can begin to compare with this occupation, or measure its influence and power. And this is not at all strange, because to work for Love means to work for God; and could there be anything greater or better than this?
Now what are some of the ways in which we may keep ourselves "busy with divine Love"? If we stop a moment to reflect, we shall see that these ways are wide open in practically everything we think, speak, and do: that there is never a time or a place in which we cannot enlist in the service of divine Love. It matters not what the conditions are, this opportunity is always at hand. It matters not what the claims of human sense may appear to be, the opportunity to align oneself with ever-present Love is immediately available.
In considering some of the avenues through which one may keep himself "busy with divine Love," we may begin by touching upon the home life. Concerning this experience, with which most of us have much to do, let us ask ourselves a few questions, and answer them in our heart of hearts. To put it differently, let us examine our innermost thoughts, purposes, and desires, and be strictly honest in the conclusions arrived at.
Are we as makers and co-makers of the home aware that unselfishness, which always embraces a warmhearted consideration for the welfare of others, is a Christly quality, which may be termed the key to the success of a happy, contented home? Are we alive to the fact that broad-mindedness, liberality, and compassion constitute a trio of virtues which must be built into the foundation of each home to make it sound and secure? Do we see that sweetness of disposition and gentleness of manner, together with whatever accompanies them, are rich blessings which unify and strengthen every home? Do we realize that unalloyed, spiritual affection is ever the measure of one's true individual make-up, and that, consequently, it is an invincible factor in the harmonious regulation of each home?
Then, finally, do we each and every hour realize the presence of God Himself in our homes and acknowledge Him as our Father, and do we allow this to regulate all the affairs of our domestic relationships? Do we really know God as infinite Truth, Life, and Love, and do we let this knowledge control whatever we think and say in the home? If we are prepared to answer these questions affirmatively, we can give thanks and rejoice, assuring ourselves that we are indeed "busy with divine Love," and therefore are under its never-failing protection and preservation. If not thus prepared, we shall do well to change our course forthwith, and make it conform to the practical demands of spiritual love, which we all must sooner or later recognize as the only legitimate activity and occupation.
In business and professional life it is wise frequently to ask: What is the standard? Is it Spirit or matter, Truth or error, the divine Mind or the human mind? Is God the controlling influence, or is mortal mind? Are those engaged in business and professional activity keeping themselves "busy with divine Love"? Are they seeking to follow and to glorify Love in every word and deed? Indeed, those business and professional people who already have learned the secret of keeping "busy with divine Love" are reaping a measure of success they never knew before. They are proving that to seek "first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" is not only good religious doctrine, but exceedingly good practice, and that it does bring abundant supply for all their needs, as well as bountiful happiness and joy. Thus have they found right and profitable occupation.
Peering into civic, state, national, and international relationships, what do we find in the activities of men? Do we find Spirit at the forefront, and Truth at the helm? Do we find Principle to be the governor, and Mind the regulator? Do we find divine Love to be the tempering, steadying, and weighing factor in all things? Briefly, do we find God in complete control?
It goes without saying that were divine Love always allowed to be the sole directing power in each city, state, and nation's business, there would be far better business. Instead of the insidious claims of evil being given a chance to operate through the false belief that personal sense has intelligence and power, to be used in its more or less mistaken, willful way in world-wide affairs, there would be established in the thoughts and association of men the truth of the allness of Mind and its perfect ideas. Instead of personal control and domination, which seem continually to enter into daily relationships and to cause harm, there would be the demonstration of divine guidance, embracing universal freedom and concord. Instead of personal adulation, glory, and ambition, there would be the expression of impersonal esteem, honor, and desire. Instead of falsehood, dishonesty, corruption, and the like, there would be the manifestation of truthfulness, honesty, uprightness, and integrity. Instead of envy, jealousy, hatred, and revenge, there would be the perfection of divine Love made apparent in every activity. Then loss, failure, separation, estrangement, strife, struggle, war, and their attendant trains of discord, would forever cease, and God's eternal, harmonious government would be everywhere recognized, submitted to, and proved.
As individual Christian Scientists, how are we occupying ourselves? What are our activities, and what are we accomplishing? Are we busy each day in the right direction—"busy with divine Love"? Are we sincerely practicing the Golden Rule—doing unto others as we would be done by? Are we truly forgiving and forgetting personal wrongs, and also uplifting, comforting, and blessing those with whom we come in contact? Are we kind and loving enough to put away judging, condemning, faultfinding, and the subtle evils which go with them? Are we discerning and consecrated enough to see man as he really is—the perfect image and likeness of God—not as the weak, imperfect creation of physical, material sense?
Then, finally, are we ever ready to respond to the call to help and heal our brother, to save him from sin and suffering, and to show him the demonstrable Christ-way? Are we? If so, well and good. If not, let us awake speedily and go forth with higher purpose and sterner resolve to practice all that we profess, and thus prove Christian Science to be a vitalizing, transforming power among men.
"Occupy till I come," said Jesus. This command may be made clearer in its meaning by associating it with the admonition of St. Paul, "Let us not be weary in well doing." To gain a correct concept of right or real occupation, and to make this concept practical in daily experience, is indeed the great secret of a happy, contented life, because it means loyal service in behalf of that which is spiritually good, ultimating in satisfactory accomplishment. Working assiduously for divine Truth and Love, never for a moment being wearied in well-doing, and waiting patiently till the reward comes, the persevering student of Christian Science is faithfully about the Father's business, and therefore is keenly alive to the significance of Mrs. Eddy's words (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 340), "Be active, and, however slow, thy success is sure."
