When we are thirsting, there is nothing more satisfying than a glass of cold water. But how do you satisfy those who may be athirst spiritually? An observation in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, clearly answers that question. It says: “Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences” (p. 570). Another citation in the book brings the point home: “Giving a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, is a Christian service” (p. 436).
Christian Science lectures provide that cup of spiritual refreshment and renewal. They awaken listeners to their God-created and God-sustained individuality, which is perfect and solely spiritual. In times past I have hesitated to offer that “cup of cold water.” But more recently, I’ve been assured that when we diligently pray and listen for direction from divine Mind, we can be led to take the right steps toward promoting spiritual growth. And the result is healing.
Some years ago after attending a Christian Science lecture, I went away thinking about some of the ideas presented. They gave me a sense of clarity about my ability to share Christian Science more freely with others. The lecturer conveyed the need to correct skepticism and false perceptions about Christian Science. I began to see that it is not difficult to help others directly connect with God. Because everyone truly is the reflection of God, maintained and sustained without pause, all humanity shares in this wonderful truth without measure. Therefore, there are no consequences to fear when we discern and act on a precious opportunity to help our neighbor learn about and even effectively practice Christian healing.
It wasn’t long after that lecture that I had an opportunity to offer that “cup of cold water in Christ’s name.” I happened to be alone when a very dear friend stepped into my office one afternoon to ask me some questions about a project we were working on. After I had answered his questions, he began to tell me of how discouraged he was about a serious health issue he was facing. Conventional treatments had failed. Now he was in the realm of “experimental” treatments, but even these were not working as hoped.
I felt so much compassion for him, as he was reaching out for hope. He knew I was a Christian Scientist, although he knew little about it. When he finished speaking, I asked him to take a seat and then quietly explained that I had just completed rereading a book titled Spiritual Healing in a Scientific Age by Robert Peel. After briefly sharing some of the significant healings this book includes of people who were in great need, I said I would have a copy sent to his house for him and his wife to read together. I told him they would get much inspiration and hope from reading the book.
I then explained that the testifiers in that volume refer to another book, which gave them the answers they were seeking, and healing resulted. And I added that I had a copy in my office that I would like to give him. It was Science and Health. (I always keep a new paperback copy on hand in my office.)
He gratefully accepted the gift and seemed to be at peace as I walked him to the door. As I was seeing him out, I suddenly realized that I had been completely healed of an ongoing problem for which I had been having Christian Science treatment. The problem was in my lower back, and it had just vanished immediately. Sharing that “cup of cold water” had not only brought my friend comfort but also healed me. What blesses one, blesses all!
This experience helped me see that through Mind we can know the needs of the community, and that Christian Science lectures reach out and embrace the thought ready to receive their healing messages. A lecture can stir a spiritual response within the hearts of receptive thinkers. And Science and Health promises, “Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks” (p. 570).
A Christian Science lecture is truly a blessing. Mrs. Eddy provided lectures to present a clear representation of Christian Science to the general public. In doing so, they help rejuvenate the wounded or heavy hearts; bring peace to areas of unrest; assure those simple seekers of God’s unwavering love for them, and for all. A lecture is one of the many ways that Churches of Christ, Scientist, are reaching out to hungering hearts with the perfect message. In Isaiah it is pointed out, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (55:11).
It is important to be alert to any suggestion, whether from within or without, that might try to obstruct this right activity of a Christian Science lecture or of any sharing of a cup of cold water with others. The consciousness of divine Love can certainly overthrow opposition to Christian Science. Rather than entertaining human thoughts and opinions, we can yield to spiritual truth and be a transparency for the Christ, Truth. This prepares the way—removing any seeming power or substance from misconceptions or evil intentions. Any opposition to sharing the truth of being can be immediately handled by seeing through its nothingness, just as mist vanishes in the light of a warm sunbeam.
Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Knowing the truth that makes free makes us realize we are already free, because as children of God we are forever free. When a Church of Christ, Scientist, presents a lecture to the public, each church member who knows this truth and brings that understanding with them to the lecture is helping draw others to the activity. What better way to bless our fellow man and the community! Christian Science lectures are gifts from God going out into the world, and the spiritual thirst of those attending will be quenched with “a cup of cold water in Christ’s name.”
