Though personal sense may deem it an individual honor, or a status symbol, Readership in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, like many human activities that serve God, is essentially a moral and spiritual obligation. The office of Reader is not one of seclusion, but of service. One who holds it is duty-bound to keep his thoughts and his life pure, so he will reflect the spiritual, healing animus of the Christ. He is also obligated to read the Word of God so understandingly that those who come to hear are healed of false concepts of God and man and of belief in sin, sickness, and death.
Mrs. Eddy has established the office of Reader in the Manual of The Mother Church. Church members who are elected to fill this post for a time may quietly rejoice that they have a special place in Love's plan and that Love will be supporting every step they take to fulfill the demands of the office.
The correct concept of Readership, however, does not necessarily come at the moment of election. It is not uncommon for a newly elected Reader to feel himself unprepared and unworthy. He may be concerned that he's not so pure or spiritually-minded as others, or even that his acceptance will deprive someone else more qualified. Experiences of other Readers, particularly those who have felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of the work, may trouble him. One who has been assailed by such aggressive suggestions but knows in his heart that he has not attained the office through human will, can find comfort in Mrs. Eddy's statement, "God selects for the highest service one who has grown into such a fitness for it as renders any abuse of the mission an impossibility." Science and Health, p. 455;
