Editorial April 21, 1917 Issue

Individuality Protected

Annie M. Knott

In the tenth chapter of John's gospel we read that when Jesus sought to warn his disciples of the thieves and robbers which would seek to take from them their spiritual possessions, they did not understand the warning given. He then presented the truth by other figures, speaking of the Christ-idea expressed by him as "the shepherd" and also as "the door." In strong contrast with the mortal beliefs which come but "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy," he declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

On another occasion the Master asked his listeners what advantage a man would have if he were to "gain the whole world, and lose himself." Before one could lose himself, however, he must first find himself, which from the viewpoint of Christian Science would mean that he must know himself as God's idea, and this once found could never be lost. On page 6 of "Unity of Good" by Mrs. Eddy is this remarkable passage: "Sooner or later the whole human race will learn that, in proportion as the spotless selfhood of God is understood, human nature will be renovated, and man will receive a higher selfhood, derived from God, and the redemption of mortals from sin, sickness, and death be established on everlasting foundations."

With this glorious prospect before us, we may well press on "toward the mark," as St. Paul said he was ever doing, all the time guarding against the subtle and aggressive mortal beliefs which would rob us of this true selfhood, this divinely bestowed individuality. All along the way of human experience, from childhood to mature age, we have glimpses of the beauty and attractiveness of the true self, the reflection of God's idea; but unless we guard all the avenues of thought and do this consciously and constantly, we are likely to be robbed of this priceless spiritual heritage, and made to manifest that which is neither loving nor lovable.

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