Article February 10, 1917 Issue

Friends of Jesus

CLARENCE W. CHADWICK

Professing Christian give free expression to their love for Jesus. Were he corporeally on earth today, they are quite sure that their friendship for him would know no taint of selfishness. Nothing that he might require of them would they fail to perform; they would do anything to please him. So thought the Jews of old before the coming of the promised Messiah. But what actually occurred when Jesus finally appeared among men as Teacher and Wayshower? The very moment he touched upon the subject of his divine origin they were ready to discliam him as their Saviour, and whenever he demonstrated to them the healing power of divine Love in confirmation of his teaching, they were ready to crucify him. He was indeed "despised and rejected of men."

Any one who has proved the Principle of Christian Science knows that the same reception would await the great Teacher today were he personally on earth, and that it would be meted out by the very ones who profess to be his friends and to love him. Why is this so? Paul tells us that "the carnal mind is enmity against God." To believe, and to understand what one believes, are two different things. One who does not understand the dual nature of Christ Jesus, who cannot distinguish between the human and the incorporeal concept of the spiritual idea of God, may call himself a friend of Jesus and yet be one of his worst enemies. The most materially minded person on earth can believe that he loves the Master and yet not be able to offer any practical proof of what he professes. He may attend church, give liberally toward its support, may read the Bible and Science and Health every day, and yet fail to prove that he is a friend of Jesus.

To hold in highest esteem the humanity of Jesus is most commendable, and essential to one's growth in grace, especially when one realizes that through this pure humanity the Christ is made manifest. A most fatal mistake for any human being would be to lose sight of the great work of the Master in his behalf, and thereby fail to do what Jesus demands of him. Right here is the test of discipleship. "If ye love me, keep my commandments," the Master said to all believers. He never even intimated that there was any class of believers who could believe on him without doing the works which he did. He emphatically indicated that such so-called believers were not even his friends; and they are not. He said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." It is not through profession, however sincere it may be, that we glorify the Father, but through works.

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