Was I ready to be First Reader in my branch Church of Christ, Scientist? That was the question that leaped into my mind following a friend's suggestion that I should accept the appointment if it were offered. It's a question that startles many a church member when he is confronted with the prospect of serving in this office.
The question was the query of timorous human doubt, and the same source also provided a ready answer. It was no! "Of course you're not ready!" it said. Then it proceeded to trot out a veritable parade of reasons why I wasn't.
"You are not solidly grounded in the Bible," it pointed out. "Your knowledge of Scripture is far too sparse. Besides, you are inexperienced in reading aloud."
