There is a belief among mortals that capabilities and talents are unequally allotted to mankind by a beneficent but not always impartial creator. St.' Paul wrote in his epistle to the Ephesians (4:8, 11) that Christ "gave gifts unto men. . . . And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists." This concept of differing abilities is often wrongly interpreted to mean that because a certain talent is markedly the possession of a particular individual, the expression of other capacities is difficult for him, and that because of this he may sometimes find himself at variance with those around him.
It is quite generally accepted that one with a definite talent has been so endowed by his heavenly Father. But the belief that such a one may be lacking in other capabilities means that he must manage his life as best he can with just one heaven-bestowed talent.
Taking into account this widespread belief in many different human constitutions, Mary Baker Eddy counsels (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 224), "We should remember that the world is wide; that there are a thousand million different human wills, opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a different history, constitution, culture, character, from all the rest; that human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these different atoms."
It is only the corporeal senses that testify to a world populated by "a thousand million different" men and women with as many different talents and practices. But because of the general acceptance of this testimony as real and important, the greatest patience, charity, and geniality are needed to attain even a measure of harmony in daily human experience.
Through the revelation of Christian Science, however, adaptability, poise, efficiency, patience, charity, goodness, justice, and the like are found to be qualities of God, available to all through spiritual reflection Mankind's differing tastes and opinions, which sometimes appear to human sense to be in conflict and sometimes in agreement, are merely part of mortal mind's mistaken concept of the real, harmonious universe, which is a compound idea reflecting the one creator. Artistry, practicality, adaptability, and poise, being talents of the one Mind, are bestowed on man without discrimination by his heavenly Father. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 18), "Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage." In accord with this teaching of our Master, Christian Science reveals man as the expression of God, of Soul, reflecting and manifesting all His qualities. Individual man is, therefore, in quality as perfect and complete as is his creator, God. A true reflection cannot choose to reflect only some of its original.
The real man reflects spiritually all the qualities of his creator. Qualities of an all-pervading, infinite source must be everywhere present and everywhere available. This does not mean that individual man does not have distinctive identity, or that identity can be lost or absorbed. On the contrary, identity is found to be the individualized expression of the one Ego, God.
Everyone knows that integrity, for instance, can be known and expressed at any time and at all times throughout the entire universe. There can be no limit to its expression. There is no place where it is not available, and it is always applicable to individual requirements. So is it with every quality of God.
The practical demonstration of the completeness and indivisibility of God's creation is the daily concern of sincere Christian Scientists everywhere. The false evidence of many minds in conflict grows unreal to the thought which is becoming aware of the completeness and oneness of Mind. Jealousy and rivalry are seen to be without foundation. Discord and restriction give place to harmony and freedom.
The divine unity of God and man produces oneness of being. In oneness of being there can be no conflict, no violation of law, no infringement of another's rights. Fear, sin, doubt, uncertainty, come from the false interpretation of existence as separate from God. Mortal selfhood, with its self-imposed beliefs of limitation, becomes frightened at its own shortcomings; whereas even a glimpse of the wholeness and indivisibility of God's creation brings a sense of security, an assurance of the immediacy of abundance. This assurance frees the imprisoned thought and destroys the mistaken sense of inability and limitation.
Christian Science proves irrefutably that God is indivisible. Indivisibility reveals the wholeness of Mind. Wherever we find one quality or attribute of Mind expressed, we can know that all other qualities are there present, for there can be no separation of that which cannot be divided. Man, being the reflection of God, reflects all the qualities of God.
There cannot be too much of one quality and too little of another: too much love but not enough justice or too much power with not enough wisdom. Balance characterizes all of Mind's manifestation. Where one quality of God is, all are.
An illustration of the practical application of these truths was seen in the experience of an artist who, through an inheritance, became part owner of an apartment house. With her share in the inheritance came the necessity to manage the property. The responsibility and daily detail of such a business appeared as a veritable mountain, for she had lived largely in a world of creative art. Not only did she have to acquaint herself with the routine of business details, but she had to learn how to deal harmoniously with dozens of different human wills, tastes, and opinions.
The help of a Christian Science practitioner was sought, and together they turned wholeheartedly to God, divine Principle, for guidance. On page 507 of the textbook Mrs. Eddy writes, "This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation, and the immortality of man and the universe." Therefore it was seen that if art is present, Science must also be present; and if Science is present, good judgment, accurate planning, and practicality are also present. In the light of spiritual understanding the world-wide belief that an artist is seldom practical was seen to be untrue. Where true art is present, the reflection of God is present; and if the reflection of God is present, all the qualities of Mind, including accuracy, decision, and efficiency, are present and available.
There can be no impractical talents when Science and art are seen to dwell together. Impoverishment and lack of business acumen do not coexist with art in the realm of infinite, indivisible Mind.
The denial of the false evidence of limitation, inexperience, and fear, together with the acceptance of the spiritual truth of Love's indivisibility, brought to light a clear sense of the ever-presence and availability of all that could ever be needed. This student then found the ability to be a practical manager of a successful business. Following this unfoldment, the opportunity came for the further expression of her artistic talent in a wider scope than ever before, reaching out beyond the borders of her own country.
Anyone who feels incapable of fulfilling that which is required of him needs only to gain a better understanding of the oneness of God's creation, and thereby draw the needed capacity and talent from the fount of indivisible being. For in the same letter to the Ephesians (4:6) Paul said there is "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Science and art, wisdom and ability, knowledge and aptitude, with all the other attributes of God, are reflected by the real man and are therefore available to all.
