Article February 28, 1925 Issue

Human Footsteps

SADIE D. LASELL

ONE of the first lessons learned in the study of Christian Science is that progress along the line of spiritual advancement must come in an orderly, harmonious way, and that one needs to listen very carefully for the guidance of divine wisdom in order not to be governed by the impatience of so–called mortal mind. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 253, 254) our Leader has said, "The divine demand, 'Be ye therefore perfect,' is scientific, and the human footsteps leading to perfection are indispensable." It is most important for every one who is striving to gain spiritual understanding, to give thoughtful consideration to these words, and thereby learn how the human footsteps may be so governed as to lead to perfection.

In her Message to The Mother Church for 1901 (p. 34) Mrs. Eddy says, "Follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ." Her life as a follower of Christ, Truth, has been a wonderful inspiration to Christian Scientists, who eagerly turn for guidance to what she has written concerning Christ Jesus, the Way–shower. One illuminating sentence is found on page 54 of Science and Health, where she says, in speaking of the Master, "Through the magnitude of his human life, he demonstrated the divine Life." As we ponder these words, it dawns upon us where the human footsteps should begin. We who are endeavoring to follow our great Exemplar should begin by striving to make our human lives greater; in other words, we should express more love, unselfishness, kindness, and compassion in helpfulness and service to others, whether they are members of our family, our friends or neighbors, or the strangers whom we may meet. And if moments are properly improved, instead of wasted, there will be found abundant time in each day for spiritual work and human duties. If we have begun our day with right metaphysical study and work, the truth will be our guide through the hours that follow, and will teach us how to glorify God in the performance of each necessary task. We need not be like Martha, who, the Bible says, was "cumbered about much serving" and "careful and troubled about many things," and who was reproved by the Master because she was making material tasks of more importance than spiritual understanding. Her sister, sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing his word, was gaining the "one thing needful;" and if we, like Mary, are seeking first the knowledge of Truth, no loving service performed in a spirit of unselfishness can ever be a burden, nor can it hinder us in our spiritual growth.

The life of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, makes it clear that he often met the present needs of those around him. He supplied the multitude with food, turned the water into wine at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, directed Peter to find the tribute money in the mouth of the fish, and prepared a meal for the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. Although these acts had a deep spiritual signification, yet each expressed love and service in a human way. This may have been the only way in which the Master could reveal his love to his followers at the time; but, through the human footsteps, he was leading them up to the understanding of divine Love. His admonition to the disciples, as given in Matthew, "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant," was afterward demonstrated on the occasion recorded by John, when he washed their feet and then said to them, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

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