“Not caring enough is simply not in the equation. God is care.”

I had an experience last year which reminded me of how being a student of Christian Science has a cumulative effect on improving our very motives for doing everything.

I had lunch with a former boss from 30+ years ago, which we do every year or so. He’s a principal in a high-profile ad agency, where he manages many corporate accounts and a covey of junior account executives. We got to talking about what each of us has been doing. He said he would like to retire but can’t, due to stale investments this last decade.

Surprisingly, he said he needed new clients. A few of his regulars had requested him off their business because they felt he was not giving them 100%. He told me that he had come to the point where he just didn’t care enough about some of his clients’ projects to hold on to their business. Marketing and agency account work have been his lifelong career, and he has experienced much success. He involves himself in civic organizations, attends a traditional Christian church, and is a stand-up guy. Yet without the experience of the Christ as Christian Science shows us, there was something lacking.

When I was at a crossroads in my career as a corporate art director and studying Christian Science conscientiously, I was led to begin my own design practice. I expected a more direct and consequential interaction with Spirit, and have not been disappointed. My business grew naturally through past associations, friendships, and referrals. I found that when I tried to make my business grow, nothing could be shown for it. But when I followed the leadings that came every now and then, new business came with it. It’s still that way.

By learning to know the difference between God’s thoughts and mere human reasoning, we engage God’s angels. Then we are fulfilling God’s purpose, which leads to productive associations. We are in our niche, interacting as God would have us, doing our part in the infinite, evolving, and involving universe. I have found that knowing this, experiencing good results, and the uncanny appearance of needed things at the right time, sustains our desire in our careers. The sponsorship one receives, acting knowingly with God, is the difference. It’s answered prayer.

Not caring enough is simply not in the equation. God is care. And so we care, and we bring this to our work and our clients. A great reward in my work is the expression of thanks from a client who can see that a job was well done. In my business, like many others, much is mundane, more perspiration than inspiration. Yet I go on doing my best and caring that I do my best, because the desire is …just there. “Desire is prayer,” as Mrs. Eddy writes.

We counter indifference when we cultivate our Christly conscience. We need the implements that Christian Science gives us to do this work. Human activity and simply doing good can’t furnish all the motivation and fulfillment we’re looking for.

As we were about to leave, my friend asked a little about my involvement in Christian Science. He said he wasn’t sure he wanted that kind of discipleship, feels it’s too strict. I agreed that it’s not always easy, but it is rewarding. He replied that, whatever it is I’m doing, keep it up.