`One accord'
IN the book of Acts there's an account of a remarkable event.1 The disciples, ``filled with the Holy Ghost,'' began to speak in different languages. Those from other nations who lived in Jerusalem gathered around and were able to hear their own language spoken. At the beginning of the account is a statement that helps explain the phenomenon: ``And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.'' There was a sense of unity. Individually and collectively there is a need to strive for accord. How can we best go about this? Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, ``For true happiness, man must harmonize with his Principle, divine Love; the Son must be in accord with the Father, in conformity with Christ.''2
Motives and acts, then, that are in obedience to God's law of goodness and love, that conform to the Christly qualities Christ Jesus exemplified, can't help adding to the harmony of both home and workplace. They also have a bearing on our health and overall well-being, as this statement by the Discoverer of Christian Science brings out: ``A little more grace, a motive made pure, a few truths tenderly told, a heart softened, a character subdued, a life consecrated, would restore the right action of the mental mechanism, and make manifest the movement of body and soul in accord with God.''3
On my first job out of college, I found myself working with individuals of very different backgrounds, views, and temperaments. At first it seemed impossible that we could even work together, let alone in harmony. But I knew the power of prayer, and I earnestly asked the Father for strength and grace to express more of the Christ-spirit in my daily encounters with others. As a result, I found myself able to express joy, patience, love, and forgiveness in even the most difficult situations, including one occasion when I was unfairly blamed for a costly mistake in order that my boss might not lose face with her superiors. Before many months had passed, the office staff was truly of one accord, and we even enjoyed social contacts together outside the office.
When I resigned at the end of two years in order to join my husband, who had returned from overseas duty, my boss confided that she was moving up in the company organization and had recommended me to take her place.
Like yeast in dough, our loving view of our fellow beings effects changes in attitudes and actions. We know that we ourselves can change for the better, and so can anyone. Labeling individuals as being stuck with certain character traits rules out the expectation of improvement. It fails to allow for the regenerative power of the Christ on someone's road to Damascus. It fails to discern the spiritual reality of man as God created him. Everyone's true selfhood must of necessity express the nature of the creator, who is Love itself.
The great Apostle Paul certainly had his problems allaying the suspicions and fears of the disciples who had known him in his role as persecutor of Christians. Yet he was able through perseverance to prove himself a loyal disciple of Jesus. He wrote to the Christians in Philippi, ``If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.''4
What a wonderful contribution we make toward the breaking down of misunderstanding and lack of communication when we demonstrate accord in even one instance. Putting out a little campfire can prevent a forest fire. Being a peacemaker at home or at work is a small but significant step. It's a step that ultimately can't be avoided, because the truth that man is the very image of Love can't be avoided. Each of us must come to prove the reality of his or her real spiritual selfhood. Striving to be ``of one accord,'' we'll help forward our own salvation and benefit humanity as well.
1See Acts, chapter 2. 2Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 337. 3Miscellaneous Writings, p. 354. 4Philippians 2:1, 2.
You can find more articles like this one in the Christian Science Sentinel, a weekly magazine. DAILY BIBLE VERSE: Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. II Corinthians 13:11
