Obligation and Responsibility JOHN J. FLINN            Christian Scientists should ever be mindful of the important fact that the world as a rule bases its estimate of the faith they profess upon the manner in which it is presented and lived by themselves. The average observer regards the individual as a fair representative of the class with which he is aligned, and in which he is received. In a questioning, critical, cynical age, therefore, one who assumes the responsibility of identifying himself with Christian Science should be scrupulously careful to endeavor to live up to its requirements.          Outside of Christian Science one may do many things which the world will be indisposed or slow to notice or to condemn, simply because one's personal conduct is a matter of indifference or unconcern to it; but in Christian Science, by reason of its generally recognized doctrines and standards, a professed adherent forgetful or disregardful of its rules and ethics invites comment, possibly derision.          Christian Science demands nothing unreasonable, nothing impossible of its followers; nothing of performance beyond the understanding of the individual; nothing that is incompatible with the Ten Commandments or with the teachings of Christ Jesus; nothing at variance with common sense. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 4): "To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.'" And, again (ibid., p. 9): "If unwilling to follow his example, why pray with the lips that you may be partakers of his nature? Consistent prayer is the desire to do right."          Christian Science is the religion of Life; therefore, the Christian Scientist should be active and energetic. It is the religion of Truth; therefore, the Christian Scientist should express veracity, integrity, character. It is the religion of Love; therefore, the Christian Scientist should be considerate, kindly, forgiving. Christian Science is a religion of faith; therefore, the Christian Scientist should be trustful, confident, reliant. Because Christian Science is a religion of hope, the Christian Scientist should be intelligently optimistic. Because it is a religion of charity, the Christian Scientist should ever be alert with helpful thoughts, encouraging words, and ready hand to assist to the best of his ability the deserving and the needy.          Christian Science means harmony; and inharmonious conditions do not express it. It means health; and complaining, irritable thoughts do not represent it. Christian Science is associated today in the thought of millions who are not themselves of our faith, with wholesomeness, cleanliness, neighborliness, culture, and good citizenship; and those who claim affiliation with it, and yet are not living up to its recognized standards, are not doing all that they should and can do to serve it.          Christian Science has a purifying, refining, and reforming influence; and those moved by a genuine desire to rise to its reasonable demands have succeeded and are succeeding to a marvelous degree in proving the beneficence of its influence. No one can receive Christian Science faithfully without receiving at the same time an impulse toward everything that is elevating, progressive, and good.          To qualify ourselves for useful work in Christian Science, to exemplify the healing influence of this teaching so as to win to the truth the doubting and the hesitating, we must practice what we preach, as Christ Jesus did, as Mary Baker Eddy did, as both have taught us to do — not merely on special occasions, but constantly and consistently, and in the full measure of honest and uncompromising conviction. Our Leader says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 116), "The ultimate of scientific research and attainment in divine Science is not an argument: it is not merely saying, but doing, the Word — demonstrating Truth — even as the fruits of watchfulness, prayer, struggles, tears, and triumph."          If we are not measuring up to the full requirements of our religion now, but are nevertheless employing with all our hearts and with all our strength such understanding as we have, and such opportunity as may be granted us, our deficiencies will be supplied and our victory will be achieved through the help of divine Love, which meets every need of men. It is our part always to do the best we can; and, having done this, to leave the rest to God, in the spirit of loving surrender and trust.   "Obligation and Responsibility" by John J. Flinn Christian Science Sentinel, October 27, 1928

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