If one recognizes organization as a means and not an end, he will keep it in the proper perspective and be able to use it effectively. Organization—even when divinely impelled—is human, not divine, and so eventually it will be superseded by higher means. But until that stage of development comes, we can make the best use of our present sense of order, talent, and cooperative endeavor. There is nothing inherently wrong with organization, as such, except that it may take on an importance that it does not deserve, and then the right perspective is lost.
Such a challenge may present itself in church, in government, or in the individual lives of men and women. The human body is an organization. We are all in a relative stage of development, and until we rise out of the material sense of body, we would do well to take care of it properly. And Christian Science teaches us how to care for the body by keeping our attention on the real man as a spiritual idea manifesting the harmony and health of divine Principle, or God. Law and order characterize the expression of Principle, and the understanding of this metaphysical fact will keep the human body in proper balance and harmonious in function.
The true idea of Church should always take the lead in any church organization. The idea shapes the organization and governs the action. How does the church most effectively serve mankind and fulfill the function allotted to it in our present stage of development? It does this by letting the healing function of church be of paramount importance. The purpose of church is to heal, to regenerate mankind, to manifest the nature of God's government, to bring to humanity the spiritual understanding necessary for salvation from sin and disease. Such a purpose was the guiding inspiration of Christ Jesus' career.
