Christ Jesus was keenly aware of each individual's preciousness to God. One way he explained this was by telling his followers that every hair of their heads was numbered. See Matt. 10:30. If our Father-Mother God knows us that well, He must care for us very much indeed. Sometimes, when praying, I like to acknowledge that God knows and cares about every blade of grass, every leaf. In reality these can be seen as spiritual ideas—as His flawless creations. This makes it easier for me to understand just how precious man is in the Father's sight. Each of us is actually the individual, spiritual expression of God.
One evening as I was ushering in my branch Church of Christ, Scientist, I was thinking along these lines. I realized that because God treasures each individual, the work of each church member individually is indispensable, and the collective activity of these members, making up an individual branch church, is indispensable and vital to fulfilling God's purpose. Acknowledging and valuing this brings the work of a member and a branch into sharper focus, as spiritually impelled by God.
When we consider the important work of each branch, it's encouraging and inspiring to hear the way Christian Science is emerging in third-world countries. People are searching for and finding the demonstrable Word of God. Much healing work is going on, and church and lecture attendances soar. This growth is truly heartening.
