Editorial January 8, 1916 Issue

Exaltation

Annie M. Knott

It is deeply interesting to trace in the Scriptures the awakening of mortals to a recognition of the greatness and goodness of God, and the expressed desire to exalt His holy name. It is noticeable in this connection that the one who gains this larger sense of the divine nature drops the mortal characteristic of self-importance and expresses the humility which the wise man tells us leads to honor, riches, and life. Isaiah declares that God dwells with the one whose spirit is contrite and humble, or, as a Christian Scientist would say, with the one who has emptied his thought of self. On the other hand we read much concerning the downfall of those who seek to exalt themselves, as did Nebuchadnezzar, who was brought down to the level of the beasts, and this because his mind was "hardened in pride." Far different from this is Mrs. Eddy's characterization of "Mind's infinite ideas," of which she says (Science and Health, p. 514), "In humility they climb the heights of holiness."

When we come to the teachings of Christ Jesus we find this: "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." We also find that self-exaltation is as likely to be a characteristic of cities or nations as of individuals, yet in reality righteousness alone "exalteth a nation." The city of Capernaum was at one time a place of much importance, and it was honored by Jesus' ministry of healing and teaching, as we read in the different gospels. In spite of this, however, the judgment of Truth upon it is given in these words: "And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell." It is said that even the site of the city is a matter of uncertainty, and from its fate we may gather the lesson that only godlikeness can truly exalt an individual, a city, or a nation.

In pursuing this theme we shall find much enlightenment in studying Paul's words respecting Christ Jesus, in the second chapter of his epistle to the Philippians. Here the apostle exhorts us to have the Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus." Then he goes on to say that although Jesus "thought it not robbery to be equal with God," because of his perfect likeness to the Father, yet he "made himself of no reputation," and "humbled himself." He did not disown as brethren those who were in bondage to the beliefs of sin and sickness, but was to them as a man among men, so that he was called "a friend of publicans and sinners." Christ Jesus did not need to exalt himself; God saw to that, as He always does in the case of His every faithful child. Paul tells us that because the Master did not shrink from any humiliation, God hath "highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name." Of old the psalmist said of the one who makes God his refuge, "I will set him on high, because he hath known my name."

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