THE beneficent teaching of Christian Science is that God gives all good and that man is the recipient of His infinite giving. There is, however, an effort to be made on our part, for infinite good comes to us through what may be called the law of spiritual reciprocity.
Centuries ago this law of spiritual reciprocity was enunciated in this earnest entreaty (Mal. 3:10): "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." These rousing words are an invitation to enjoy the fullness of God's bestowals.
Tithing is the practice of making regular, stipulated contributions to one's church. In Bible times it was regarded in much the same manner that citizens today accept the levying and paying of taxes. A tenth of one's income was established as a just proportion for one to contribute in support of his worship. It was the prophet's intent to stir the people of his nation to their need to obey the law of tithing and so experience God's blessing.
To those who understand the teachings of Christian Science, tithing has a unique importance. Singular and far-reaching benefits are derived from it. This is true even from a literal and human standpoint.
Mrs. Eddy recognized the spiritual significance of tithing. This is substantiated by her inclusion of the word "tithe" in the Glossary of Science and Health (p. 595). Here she gives "gratitude" as one of its meanings. Is not this meaning sufficient to indicate the ever-urgent need to tithe? The blessings which accrue from expressing gratitude are indeed so great that there seems not room enough to receive them.
Tithes of gratitude are our outpourings of spiritual gifts. Such tithing is done in quietness and humble secrecy. Those around us, however, always know of our gifts, for they can feel the touch of divine Love, the healing presence of God, which gratitude reflects.
Should one question or doubt his ability to give spiritual gifts, let him turn to Mrs. Eddy's words on page 165 of Miscellany: "As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good. Thus may each member of this church rise above the oft-repeated inquiry, What am I? to the scientific response: I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing."
To ponder upon our Leader's choice of "truth, health, and happiness" is thought-provoking and challenging. These are, indeed, spiritual gifts. Like all good and perfect gifts, they are immediately available and never expended.
In her writings Mrs. Eddy employs Truth as one of the seven synonyms for God. To give truth is to express God as Truth. This is more than being truthful in the generally accepted sense. It is to be correct, exact, honest, and sincere, not only in every conversation and activity, but in regard to every concept held in consciousness.
To give according to this standard of truthfulness banishes the possibility of subtle, dishonest motives, mental gossip, furtive acts. It demands hour-by-hour watchfulness and a consecrated effort to maintain mental poise even in the face of sudden onslaughts of aggressive, mesmeric suggestions. The strengths which are wrought and the purity which is apparent when one brings this concept of truth into active expression open the very windows of heaven. Of this gift, Jesus said (John 8:31, 32), "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
How much gratitude we can express through health! Health is being whole and holy, expressing our spiritual identity. To be healthy is to present consistently the highest concept of spiritual completeness and perfection, to be the man that God made.
This is not all there is to health. It must include the full measure of realization that our neighbor, be he family, friend, co-worker, or passing stranger, is in Christian Science a whole and holy spiritual idea. This realization may be an unfailing, silent acknowledgment of man's integrity as a child of God; when appropriate, it may be an audible affirmation spoken with the conviction which heals.
Let us endeavor to hold health in constant readiness. In "Rudimental Divine Science," Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 9), "The spiritual power of a scientific, right thought, without a direct effort, an audible or even a mental argument, has oftentimes healed inveterate diseases." Who cannot bestow this gift in ever-increasing measure upon a humanity which is hungering and thirsting for it?
Of all perfect gifts, happiness is one of the most precious. It springs from tender love and solicitude for others. As we love in utter selflessness, we are able to give happiness in whatever way satisfies the human need. This may be the silence of compassionate understanding, the joy of sharing, or the mercy of Christlike forgiveness. The prayer for a deeper understanding of God as Love enables us to give happiness to all in our daily round.
Tithing spiritual gifts transforms the human sense of living into a joyful continuity of spiritual experiences. Through them we manifest the Christ, the true idea of God. These experiences bring our gifts into the storehouse, and through the law of spiritual reciprocity we find ourselves the recipients of God's infinite giving.
