THE metaphorical symbolism of bread and stones, which Jesus utilized in his much-loved Sermon on the Mount, has a particular import for Christian Scientists in relation to their children. "What man is there of you," Jesus asked, "whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? ... If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matt. 7:9,11.)
The good gifts which parents usually plan to give their children are commonly interpreted as material possessions and advantages. Beginning with birth, the infant is the recipient of all that parents and relatives can humanly do to assure his future welfare and happiness. Gifts are bestowed upon him, annuities are sometimes set up for him, and insurance policies are taken out for health, education, and financial security. Sometimes he is registered in a preferred private school, and savings are set aside for this and for his college education. Most importantly, parents devote their time, money, and unremitting efforts to these plans, often at great personal sacrifice.
But what of the child's spiritual welfare? How much time or money or effort does the parent devote to this? Does he make as definite plans for spiritual attainment as for material security? Will he set aside even one hour in the morning or one in the evening to pray with his child and quietly to study and discuss spiritual truths with him?
