This beautiful Bible lesson made me think of my “earthly all”… in S&H citation 10: “… and whosoever layeth his earthly all on the altar of divine Science, drinketh of Christ’s cup now, and is endued with the spirit and power of Christian healing.”
Mrs. Eddy didn’t say “might be endued” but said “is endued”… because this is Science! So I ask myself, what is keeping me from laying my earthly ALL on the altar of divine Science? I am … ALL-most there… but not 100% there.
So… what does it take, and I ask myself this more and more. I have made great strides, but there are some worldly things I must sacrifice still. What might those be?
This helps me in this contemplation:
“… if we do not readily seize, and even rejoice in every opportunity of doing good with our substance; we make it manifest that we love a little worldly interest above God, Christ, our neighbour, our country, yea our own everlasting happiness.” (Sermons on Important Subjects by Rev. David Tappan, 1807)
This substance is not just in tangible blessings like possessions and money, but more importantly the substance that is Christian Science! It is the discipline of being a disciple… putting God first in thought and action. It is a moment-by-moment standing porter at the door of thought and wanting to do God’s work more than all else, but also seeing all work as part of that work, which requires constantly “translating” things into their spiritual substance and significance… such as for instance not seeing “chores” as chores, but rather as making things beautiful, or restoration and renewal… keeping thought uplifted.
I love this lesson on Christ Jesus!