Great causes grow through the interest, zeal, and enthusiasm of their supporters; they wither when their adherents become indifferent to practicing the principles of the movement which they represent. In his letter to the church at Laodicea, John wrote (Rev. 3:15, 19): "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ... Be zealous therefore, and repent."
The early days of the Christian Science movement were characterized by the zeal and consecrated effort of the pioneers, guided by their divinely inspired Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. Opposition and misrepresentation only served to intensify consecration to the healing and foundational work. At that time there was vehement opposition from the devotees of materialistic systems. Today, however, mortal mind, the one evil, sometimes uses a different technique. It may say in effect: Christian Science has progressed and has been accepted in our midst. We may now slacken or cease altogether our efforts to promote it. After all, there are many other things claiming our attention.
Christian Scientists, generally speaking, are aware of this danger of lukewarmness. They know that the qualities of intelligent interest and zeal are as vital now as ever, and that the remedy for healing every phase of error is available in Mrs. Eddy's revelation. In the simple fashion of her teaching one denies the belief of indifference, affirms the truth of the allness of God with understanding, and gratefully rejoices in the reality, permanence, and power of the quality of spiritual zeal. This positive quality, inherent in the divine Mind and consequently ever present and ever operative, is reflected by man, and in the measure that we realize this fact and claim this quality as our own we shall manifest it in our church work.
