Many Christian Scientists, probably most of us, would like to help others through prayer as we have been helped. This desire is natural because the very essence of Science is Love. The thousands who over the years have taken the step into the part or full-time healing practice of this Science have found that it satisfies their deepest desire to serve.
But some who long to take this step hold back for one reason or another. It may seem to be a question of readiness. They understand the demands of the public practice of Christian Science and sincerely feel that they are not ready— that they have more spiritual growth to make in private before they are ready to step forward in public.
In some cases this conclusion is correct. One may have so many character traits and difficulties of his own to overcome that this task is keeping him plenty busy for the present. Or maybe one's motive needs purifying. He may be considering the practice mainly as an escape from his present employment instead of as an opportunity to serve God and mankind more fully. Perhaps in some cases more maturity is needed, along with a better understanding of the strong moral and spiritual demands made on a practitioner. Some who desire to practice may not yet have had the incomparable growing experience of class instruction or even of membership in The Mother Church and a branch church. And in some cases family conditions may not yet be right.
