Know Thyself

One of the most striking examples of self-reflection and self-awareness I’ve ever found in the Bible (and there are many to choose from) is from Jesus in the Gospel of John.  He knew he had been anointed by God “with the Holy Spirit and with power.”  He went about the land doing many wonderful marvels.  Yet, when reflecting on his position in the overall scheme of things, he would say,

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30)

As the Son of God, he knew that all things were possible to God, his Father.  His mission was to give his disciples a better understanding of what is true about God and their relationship with God, so that those who believed in him would also be able to do these works.  (John 14:12). 

Could it be that in order for humanity to know more of the truth that makes us (all of us) free, humanity must grow in grace?  As I pondered this question one day, I realized I really didn’t have a very good definition of grace that seemed to fit.  So, I looked up that word in Webster’s 1828 edition of the dictionary. There are 20 definitions of grace.  No wonder I’ve always had difficulty recalling a concise meaning!  So as I began to review them all, I found definition #6 defines the word “grace” that may be most applicable in this context.  You could say, when talking about “growth in grace,” growth in “faith, meekness, humility, patience, etc. proceeding from divine influence.” These are all words from definition number six of the word grace. 

So, in proportion to our growth in this definition of grace, we become the ready laborers that the “Lord of the Harvest” is looking for and sending into the harvest! 

A Christian fellowship ministry is a ministry of grace and faithful witnessing.  What you bring with you in your own thought and heart, can make a significant contribution towards comforting and healing.  The truth of our freedom from the ills of this world and the graces of the fruit of the Spirit comes through our practice … of love for God and man. 

All of this speaks to our readiness to be faithful witnesses and disciples of the Christly truth of our oneness with God as we read in Jesus’ farewell prayer in the Gospel of John,

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:20–21)

It also speaks to our sincere desire to be used by God, divine Love, with whatever we have to give – uplifting prayers, the graces of love, our “skill in comfort’s art,” the gifts and talents that we have been given by God.

Here are some readiness questions, that I offer for your consideration, for self-examination (self-awareness) as part of our spiritual preparation for work in the “Lord’s harvest.” 

1. The first question is: “Who are you, really? What do we know about you?”

Here are some possible answers:
I am:

·      What God created me to be in His image and likeness.

·      Precious in God’s eyes, honorable, and He has loved me.

·      The offspring of Spirit, whereby the beautiful, good, and pure constitute my ancestry. 

·      Ready to be used by divine Love. 

·      An able minister of the New Testament, especially of the spirit that gives life. 

·      Holding up a candle bearing the light of Truth, which cannot be hid. 

·      In my Christlikeness, letting that light shine – God’s indescribable gift.  

2. “What are you coming to see?  A reed shaking in the wind?”

Here are some possible answers:
I’m coming to see:

·      A loved one! One loved by God. 

·      The child of God and what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon that dear one. 

·      Christ, already there, bringing a sense of God’s ever-present goodness, wholeness, and salvation. 

·      All human needs being met by divine Love. 

·      The inseparability of God’s love for each of his dear children. 

·      The perfectibility of man created by God, man’s real and true spiritual identity. 

3. “What are we taking with us to the scene of need?”

Possible answers:
I’m taking with me:

·      Hope – This word in the language of the Bible is intended to mean “expectation” of good.

·      Faith – Trustworthiness, trustfulness, steadfastness, and a receptive thought. 

·      Charity (or love) – unselfish affection, or, spiritual affection, love for mankind, the expression of universal Love, impartial and unfailing under all conditions. 

4. “Of all that we have to give when we get there, what will we have to give that is nearest right under the circumstances?” 

Possible answers:
I will be ready to give: 

·      The tender word.

·      Christian encouragement.

·      Patience.

·      Longsuffering.

·      Gentleness.

·      Righteous judgment.

·      Joy.

·      Humor.

·      A “word in season.”

·      Whatever talents and skills may be called for. 

5. “What will be influencing me?” 

Possible answers:
I will only allow myself to be influenced by:

·      The sign of Immanuel (God with us)!  A “divine influence ever-present in human consciousness.” (S&H xi: 15)

·      The goodness of God. “The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable.” (S&H 192: 23)

·      The divine Love that casts out fear.

·      “The history of Christianity [which] furnishes sublime proofs of the supporting influence and protecting power bestowed on man by his heavenly Father …” (S&H 387:27)

What other readiness questions might you have?  Being aware of who we are, what we have, and what we expect, can go a long way toward a readiness for comforting and healing.  Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil.  (S&H 571:16–18)