One who owns a store for selling goods is not satisfied to stock his shelves well and just let them stay that way. His prosperity depends on a good turnover; otherwise there is no profit. A stagnant stockpile gathers dust, and merchandise grows stale. What is needed is activity. Thus in our study of Christian Science we do not gain new ideas until we actively put into practice those we already know. To the letter must be added the quickening of the Spirit. Then there is room and receptivity for higher and better concepts. Inspiration comes to the spiritually active consciousness. We give and therefore receive, "pressed down, . . . and running over. . . . For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again" (Luke 6: 38).
We cannot store up the ideas of God on the shelves of our thinking. They must enter the current of our living, and Christian Science shows how this may be done. Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 68), "Christian Science presents unfoldment, not accretion." Jesus' parable of the talents vividly illustrates the blessings we receive through utilizing the understanding we have and thus gaining more. In the parable of the sower, the seed which fell on good ground "brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold" (Matt. 13: 8). It is important that we produce in the measure of our ability and understanding. Jesus said (John 13: 17), "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
In Christian Science we learn that divine Love is Principle, or creative power—that which impels good, generates right activity, and empowers man with wisdom, purpose, and initiative. We learn that man is the expression, reflection, or emanation of this divine Principle, perfect idea manifesting perfect Mind. The activity of good is a coming out from—or outcome of—God, Spirit.
