IN this modem age, when there are so many interesting and worthwhile activities in which to participate, it is more important than ever before to be selective and to put first things first.
Many of us remember the slogan which was so popular during World War II when gasoline rationing was in effect, "Is this trip really necessary?" When we seem to have more to do than we can accomplish in the line of material duties, pleasures, or organizational functions, some good questions to ask ourselves are: "Is this trip or meeting or household chore entirely necessary? Am I doing this from a false sense of responsibility, false pride, or a mistaken idea of what real satisfaction is? Am I neglecting my daily study of Christian Science because I think I do not have time for it? Am I too busy with routine chores to do my share of church work?"
If the answer to the last three questions is Yes, then it is time to lift our thoughts above the material into the realm of the real and to know that our only business is to demonstrate our perfect relationship with God. our sonship with the Father. Then all of our human activities will fall into their proper place and perspective. By knowing that the basis for all action is spiritual, not material, we are not tempted to participate in pursuits that would waste our time or dissipate our energies.
In the article "Improve Your Time" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 230), Mrs. Eddy lists some of the time stealers that we must guard against. She says: "Three ways of wasting time, one of which is contemptible, are gossiping mischief, making lingering calls, and mere motion when at work, thinking of nothing or planning for some amusement,—travel of limb more than mind. Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much."
How satisfying it is to feel that we have made the most of every moment of each day! When our thoughts are filled with the desire to express God-given perfection at all times, only good results can ensue. It is right that we should fulfill our obligations to our families, our homes, and our communities, but it is not right to allow ourselves to be taken advantage of or to be burdened with mere busyness. We must be sure that we are about our Father's business at all times.
When Jesus was but a child, he went with his family to Jerusalem. When they started homeward, Joseph and Mary discovered that he was not with them. They found him in the temple and questioned him about his actions. He answered lovingly but firmly (Luke 2:49), "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Jesus knew that his only duty was to serve God, to demonstrate the nothingness of matter and the allness of Spirit.
When we find ourselves seemingly burdened by human cares, it is time to examine our thinking to see if we are putting too much emphasis on petty detail or becoming too engrossed in seeking satisfaction in the realm of matter rather than in the kingdom of heaven. We may be trying to find perfection in matter instead of looking in the only direction in which we can possibly find perfection—to God and His spiritual creation. We do not want to shirk our responsibilities. As we seek first the kingdom of heaven—lay aside material selfhood and gain a clearer understanding of man's unity with divine Mind, which is the only intelligence and the only source of action—our capabilities will be improved, and we can efficiently and effortlessly accomplish what is necessary.
Whenever we are faced with an undertaking of any kind, it is imperative that we turn first to God for guidance and the assurance that we are doing His will. Mrs. Eddy informs us (Science and Health, p. 385), "Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself." Let us be sure that what we are doing is really our duty, not just much ado about nothing. We must not let self-righteousness or self-importance tempt us to assume responsibility that really belongs to another.
Knowing it is not mortal man who does the work but God, who works effortlessly through all of His children, we can lift the burden of crushing responsibility which seems to cause fatigue. If we are doing our work joyously and tirelessly, then we know that we are truly about our Father's business, and no harm, either mental or physical, can result from this glorious activity. When we are asked to serve in church work and are tempted to say, "I'm too busy," we must be sure that we are too busy for material interests but not too busy for God's work. Many of our actions, carried out in moderation, are good and right. We are all familiar with the saying, "Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness." But the finicky housekeeper who constantly frets about the untidiness of her family may be making a fetish of cleanliness. We should be immaculate in our personal appearance, but one who spends hours on personal adornment is seeking the wrong kind of beauty.
Martha complained to Jesus about her sister, Mary, who had left all of the serving to her and was sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to his words. But Jesus said (Luke 10:41, 42), "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Through willingness to serve God and to subordinate material activities, we can uncover hidden talents and open channels for worthwhile endeavors. We may discover that we have an aptitude for writing articles for the Christian Science periodicals. We can learn to speak more fluently when giving testimonies at the Wednesday testimony meetings, proving that by being obedient and grateful, we can overcome the limiting beliefs of self-consciousness and lack of ability. As Jesus said (Luke 12:31), "Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
As we listen for God's voice to direct our every action, we shall find that our lives will be full to overflowing with satisfying accomplishments. When we remember that our strength to do good grows with our understanding of God, we need never fear that we shall be overworked, overburdened, or under pressure.
Mortal mind tries to hinder us by claiming erroneously that each of us has only a limited amount of time in which to live and work. We must firmly deny this lie by knowing that God is infinite and that we, as His children, reflect this infinity. God cannot be confined to a limited number of hours, a prescribed space of time, or a measured amount of strength; therefore we, as His perfect creation, made in His image and likeness, cannot be limited in any way. The unfoldment of good is the real measure of time and accomplishment.
Neither do we ever have to be bored with living or with having a what's-the-use attitude, for we can put aside a false sense of self and know that we exist to express divine Life, Truth, and Love. No mere earthly achievement can be more challenging, more stimulating, or more satisfying than the constant endeavor to know and demonstrate, from the basis of perfect Principle and perfect idea, the absolute invulnerability of man to any form of error.
We may be tempted by the erroneous belief that we are subject to sickness, sin, or death; or by the suggestion that we have lost our fresh, spontaneous enthusiasm; or by the insidious self-pity that tells us that we are fatigued because we have worked too long and too hard; or by any of the countless guises that error tries to assume. But we can destroy them all by knowing that we are conscious of the kingdom of heaven and are about our Father's business.
For the kingdom of heaven is perfect harmony; and being about our Father's business is expressing this perfect harmony in every phase of our existence.
