I have recently moved to another state, which has involved spending quite a bit of time with government offices, such as the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). In the past, as a government employee, whenever I had something to take care of in a government office, I assessed with a critical eye how things should be improved for the customer, so I could make improvements in the agency I worked for. I wanted to ensure everyone was treated fairly. Now, having left my 25-year career in government, I’ve often felt as though I’m just the customer, in line and on hold, with no higher purpose.
But I’m realizing there’s much more that is required of us than taking a limited, passive position when it comes to supporting government. Indeed, there is much we can and should do, beyond voting, paying taxes, and following laws, to support good governance in our community, town, state, nation, and world. Students of Christian Science recognize the importance of acknowledging the spiritual reality of God’s harmonious and permanent government. This spiritual perspective is available to all who seek it, and it shows us that true government originates in God and lifts thought beyond human self-interest.
In Christian Science versus Pantheism, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, included a section called “Prayer for Country and Church” beginning on page 14. It reads in part, “Pray that the divine presence may still guide and bless our chief magistrate, those associated with his executive trust, and our national judiciary; give to our congress wisdom, and uphold our nation with the right arm of His righteousness.” This prayer for our leaders is not a prayer for personality or party; rather, it is a prayer for the office, and those who hold office, to be led by divine wisdom.
