In one of Jesus' parables it is related that according to the custom of those days two men went up to offer prayer in the temple. One was a Pharisee. His prayer very much concerned his own personal welfare, recounting, as it did, his benevolences, his regard for ecclesiastical law, and his respect for the church. Enough it was for him that he was "not as other men." The other, a publican, although of a class generally despised, was a true penitent, and proved himself receptive to spiritual guidance. The great Teacher, Christ Jesus, by parable thus set the prayer of self-righteousness in contrast with the prayer of humility, and sought to impress on his hearers the vanity of the former and the efficacy of the latter.
A student of Christian Science, employed by a large business establishment, was brought into contact with fellow employees representing various nationalities and creeds. Impressively beautiful were the uniform kindness and co-operation among them. Instead of jealousy, envy, and rivalry, were unity and mutual helpfulness. Years later, the same student filled another position, but notwithstanding its environment of affluence, the unity of Christian fellowship was less in evidence. Although money was handsomely provided for the needy, giving lacked its true purpose. In place of the tender solicitude of the widow's mite was the pharisaical sense of mere moral obligation.
A lesson gained from this experience was that a sense of brotherhood is an essential part of true giving. In its highest meaning true giving is of the heart. It is spiritual, irrespective of material accompaniment, and love and gratitude are its motives. Far more valuable than silver and gold is the thought that lies behind such giving. "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" asks the Psalmist.
