To those students of Christian Science who are class taught the annual association meeting is a joyous occasion. Christ Jesus' words (Matt. 18:20), "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them," remind us of the inherent power of our associations. At these gatherings the Christ, or true idea of God, is present to enlighten, inspire, and quicken the receptive thought and to cultivate and nourish the seed sown in class instruction. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, once said to a class (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 279), "We, to-day, in this class-room, are enough to convert the world if we are of one Mind." It is not to be wondered at, then, that the growing spiritual impetus of Christian Science students' associations is making itself felt not only in the life of the individual member, but also in the larger sphere of church and world affairs.
What the loyal student gleans from his association meeting goes with him into his church, business, and family life. He uses and proves the truths that were presented at the meeting and the greater measure of spiritual understanding that he gained. What one learns in his association meeting, as in class instruction itself, unfolds through the years. It affords growth in the things of Spirit so necessary for the progress of the student and proves the Scripture (I Cor. 2:9,10): "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
Let us ponder a little why the individual is blessed by attendance at his association meeting. Sometimes it may seem that self has to be sacrificed in order to be present. What if we do have to give up some ease in matter in order to devote time to study in preparation for our meeting? What if we have to forgo some project so that the necessary funds are available for transportation? Some of our finest spiritual gains are the outcome of struggling with and overcoming purely selfish desires for ease or pleasure. Hours given to studying the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings enable us to see the power-lessness of seeming obstructions and limitations to thwart God's law, which constantly protects and guides man, the beloved object of His tender care. God, our only Life, is forever giving us abundance of all good. Through prayer, meditation, and spiritualization of thought we begin to understand and prove this.
