Higher employment

Can an individual do something productive about the bleak worldwide upswing of unemployment? Where can he start?

Perhaps part of the answer is found in individually spiritualizing, uplifting , our concept of employer, employee, and employment.

According to the Scriptures, God is infinite good, unrestricted Love. As the offspring of God, man is inseparable from his Maker. This is the truth of our being, under all circumstances, regardless of appearances to the contrary. In a manner of speaking, then, God is not only our one and only creator; He is also our perpetual employer. In this relationship, our provision isn't a matter of boom or bust, glory or doom. Since God is totally good, His limitless blessings never stop, never come to an end. Being consistently conscious of these underlying spiritual facts can lead to practical solutions.

This was certainly the case in my own life. When I returned from military service, we were in a period of national economic recession, and it seemed impossible to find a really rewarding and productive job. Everywhere I went, interviewers seemed impressed with my qualifications and abilities, but without exception they said either that their companies were not hiring additional personnel, or that training programs had already started and I would have to wait.

In a state of frustration and despair, I found myself praying to God, acknowleding His unfailing love and care, His ability to help. I began to see that God, boundless Love, could not create an unneeded, useless man. That would be contrary to the divine nature. I realized that God's man is totally spiritual , forever manifesting His infinitely good being and purpose, without limitation. I also saw that these teachings of Christianity are never restricted or impractical; that they were just as able to meet my employment needs as to help save me from sin and suffering.

I realized, too, that no matter what our vocation may be, expressing the qualities of our Maker - qualities such as intelligence, perception, love, joy - is our primary occupation. This was true for me, and it is equally true for all mankind. I saw that it was my Christian duty not only to express God's qualities but to drop aggressive thoughts that would belittle or oppose this activity. Then I could experience firsthand a greater sense of God's direction and control in my affairs - the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Christ Jesus said, ''The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.'' n1

n1 Matthew 13:47, 48.

In harmony with this teaching, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, ''Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand; it gives one plenty of employment, and the divine Principle worketh with you, - and obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory.'' n2

n2 Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118.

This higher employment, this spiritually based correction of thought, is no easy task. It requires a mighty effort on our part. But it is certainly worth it. Through our efforts we not only find appropriate and satisfying work; we gain an increasing sense of freedom and of God's presence. We move forward on the road of salvation.

In my own situation I found a wonderful job within a relatively short time, one that helped not only me but many others also. And it was a direct result of my practicing this higher concept of employment. Opportunities for progress have continued to open up.

Putting into practice Biblical truths is a firm basis from which to approach the complex economic troubles that face mankind. Cherishing and valuing the spiritual nature of man as the expression of God, we can see - and prove - that we are never really unemployed. DAILY BIBLE VERSE Search me, O God, and know by heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23, 24