Every once in a while, a church worker will relay fears to me that serving as a Reader, a board member or in some other visible capacity in church, puts them in a dangerous position. They believe they become targets of malice toward Christian Science and can suffer from it.

The old adage, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” applies here!

There is no safer place to be than in church work.

Church work is all about serving God, engaging in activities of Love, standing on Principle, preaching the gospel, and loving one’s neighbor unselfishly.

Jesus told his followers to get out into the world and to share what had been freely given them. To disobey Christ is to put oneself into a dangerous position, not to obey the divine command!

The above fear about church work illustrates the devious ways malicious animal magnetism works in the human mind. It twists the truth around to make it look like error. It would convince the unsuspecting that they are doing the wrong thing when they are doing the right thing. And it would convince those who are doing the wrong thing that they are doing the right thing.

Be wise! Don’t be deceived!

To abide in church work is to put yourself into the very safest place you could ever be. Evil cannot reach you there. It is a safe haven of pure spiritual consciousness where God is in control, and malice is obviously harmless.

Church work is the “castle” of divine Mind here on earth. Its walls of Truth and Love protect its residents from the invading armies of error that want to pillage and pillory the good people of the land.

To step out of healthy church work is like stepping out of the castle walls in medieval times when the castle is surrounded by enemy fighters. They instantly jump on you.

Church work is first and foremost mental/metaphysical/spiritual work. When done right, it keeps one’s thought inspired with Truth, up with Love and engaged with healthy, productive, progressive spiritual activity that promotes the health and well-being of other members and neighbors. When we bless others, we bless ourselves. It all works together.

Church work promotes unselfishness. It requires one to think about their neighbor more and give for their benefit.

To live selfishly is to enter enemy territory. It’s where mortal mind takes over and leads astray.

The human mind needs to be disciplined. It cannot be left to its own devices, opinions, and wants. They are typically low and lacking. It needs help. It needs to get out of itself into higher metaphysical territory. Church work facilitates that activity. It requires one to be unselfish, to quit thinking about personal wants and desires all the time, and to be consulting God for direction and guidance.

Jesus required the whole heart, mind and soul of his followers. It is no different today. Genuine success doesn’t come from half-hearted, wavering and indecisive commitment. Those who “get it,” find their rightful reward, and perhaps they alone know what it feels like. It doesn’t come without struggle though, but it does earn much quicker entry into heaven.