The Job That Is Seeking You
I HAD taken special steps to obtain extra qualifications, and although I was in the final term of the academic year, I still had no job prospects. Others had obtained appointments, but in spite of careful searching I had not been successful.
I was worried, so I talked to a friend who is also a Christian Scientist. She encouraged me to keep praying, and added: ``Don't forget that the job is seeking you.'' This was an entirely new way of looking at the situation. Because I knew she had consistently proved the teachings of Christian Science in practical ways, I examined the statement more closely.
It became clear that my real need was to think spiritually about the whole affair, for only in this way could the human limitations and pressures be set aside. To think spiritually we begin our reasoning with God, divine Spirit, and acknowledge His goodness, His love, power, and presence, and His ability to direct man.
God is Mind, supreme intelligence, and man is the full expression of this all-knowing Deity. Without man Deity would be unexpressed. It is a wonderful and permanent relationship. Therefore every spiritual identity, which includes you and me, has divinely created place and position, divinely appointed purpose and activity. This place is not subject to human forecasts or opinions, or to so-called cyclical economic conditions. This divinely bestowed place is now, has forever been, and will always be. The only law operating in man's experience is God's law, the law of uninterrupted supply. I could see that the spiritual employment I always have is made evident in my life by finding the job I need. That job is mine alone--is seeking me!
Recognition of these spiritual facts and holding to them are a form of prayer. This prayer quieted my thought and enabled me to let go of what was becoming an anxious search for a job. In this newly found calmness I was able to trust God to guide all my actions. I was willing to wait on Him. I didn't wait around in the usual waiting sense, but was praying actively each day. I cherished the spiritual facts I had come to understand, recognizing that all things are controlled by divine intelligence. The effects of such prayer are made evident in our human experience in the way that best meets our individual need. In my case, following a great deal of searching, I felt impelled to await events. On another occasion a different course of action may be required, such as being willing to explore areas that have not yet been considered. The actions we take are fruitful when they are the result of prayer and a genuine desire to do God's will.
About two weeks later a colleague approached me and asked if I would object to his supplying my name to the deputy head teacher at his school. I readily agreed. When the individual contacted me, he explained that he was taking up a new appointment as headmaster of a different school. He stressed that he wanted to hire somebody who not only could teach mathematics but who could introduce a new course in commerce. In his view my previous commercial experience suited his requirements well. I was duly appointed.
The full significance of recognizing divine Love's complete government became very clear. As I overcame diverse challenges in the new appointment, the way opened for pupils to be benefited in ways that had not seemed possible to them or their parents. I also was steadily promoted over a period of years.
Christians accept the premise that God is infinite Love, and that man is His image and likeness. The function of man is to show forth, to express, all the qualities of God, to reflect His intelligence, His creative ability, and so on. Man individually and collectively is one with his divine source; he is the permanent outcome of the all-beneficent Principle, God. God employs man to be His complete manifestation, a very pleasant status indeed. So employment is the fact; unemployment is a lie about the truth. To be unemployed is impossible in the divine order.
Christ Jesus said, Matthew's Gospel records, ``Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you'' (6:33). Seeking and discovering the spiritual facts and holding to them are joyous activities. Under Love's continuing guidance, these truths will result in our finding just what's needed, whether that is gainful employment, promotion in existing work, or a complete change of activity.
In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the author, Mary Baker Eddy, writes: ``Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear'' (p. 506). As we express Godlike qualities right where we are, this spiritual activity will open the way for His purpose to appear. That purpose is completely good. Our job is assured!
BIBLE VERSE
Let not your heart be troubled:
ye believe in God,
believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so,
I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again,
and receive you unto myself;
that where I am,
there ye may be also.
And whither I go ye know,
and the way ye know.
John 14:1-4