Many of us have probably reasoned this way on the subject of teaching: "Why should I teach in the Sunday School? I love the children and pray for their protection and growth. But since there are others who are better qualified than I am, I think I shall decline the invitation to teach at this time and wait until I am better prepared." However, if we think in this way, are we not overlooking the vital importance of such an experience to our own spiritual growth—a growth upon which the progress and development of our church, our community, and the world in a measure depend?
Mrs. Eddy writes in the textbook, Science and Health, "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds."Science and Health, p.4; Many earnest students of Christian Science have a sincere desire for spiritual growth and unfoldment, an honest desire to live a more satisfying and harmonious life, a humble desire to be obedient to God, an eager desire to take advantage of every opportunity God provides and to accept gratefully what God gives. These are also the basic motives that should inspire Christian Scientists to prepare themselves to teach in the Sunday School. Preparing to teach can be interpreted as preparing to grow.
Turning humbly to divine Love, God, to supply us with the truth, we shall be prepared for every opportunity that presents itself. In the textbook we read: "Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action."p.454; Love inspires; but to be conscious of this inspiration, we must be alert and expectant. Love illumines; but if we would perceive the spiritual truths that are illuminated, our attention must be turned toward Spirit. Love designates; yet to follow obediently as Love leads the way, we must lay aside human planning and self-righteousness.
