"We know that a desire for holiness is requisite in order to gain holiness; but if we desire holiness above all else, we shall sacrifice everything for it." These words are from page 11 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. They are an unequivocal challenge to apathy. The true seeker for Truth discerns in these words the only method of gaining holiness—wholeness, happiness. To sit with folded hands, mentally or physically, merely desiring holiness, is not sufficient. One must do something about it.
Mortal mind, the carnal mind which Paul reminds us is "enmity against God," is always prone to take the easy way. Trying to get something for nothing is the method used by mortal mind. But there is no gain without sacrifice in any endeavor. All things worth attaining and keeping are worth striving for.
A Christian Science practitioner was once visited by a young laborer, who came to him expressing the desire to become, like him, a practitioner of Christian Science. The young man's earnestness and sincerity were very impressive, but also very evident was the lack of other needful qualifications for this holy office. He was apparently uneducated, uncouth, and careless about his person, seemingly lacking in those qualities that would "draw all men" unto him. These deficiencies were all lovingly pointed out to the young man, but still he insisted that his one desire was to become a practitioner of Christian Science. And to this end he began to take corrective and progressive steps. He started to attend night school, working diligently to acquire an education. He joined a Christian Science church, soon becoming active in it and a very valuable member.
