Article December 25, 1926 Issue

Human Need

MINNIE SANTA BELL

Every student of Christian Science is familiar with the words on page 494 in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." He also remembers the joy experienced when these words were first read by him, perhaps on the wall in some Christian Science church; perhaps in an article written in a Journal, or Sentinel, or Monitor; or, perhaps, voiced with great gratitude at some Wednesday evening testimony meeting. The words bring a message of great hope; but alas! the so-called human mind, uninstructed in the truth, is apt to look on human needs as something material, this so-called mind fancying materiality to be indispensable to its comfort and happiness.

The one suffering from disease imagines that if only the physical discord were removed, his human need would be met; but it is only by gaining the true sense of Life as God that real healing, true health, is found. Indeed, such a one might be in a worse plight than before, if the cure had not come through a better understanding of divine Mind. The very removal of the discordant condition by material means would but have strengthened his trust in matter. Another might think he could live a better life if only his environment were more suited to his individual taste, ignorant that the discord must be met in his own consciousness. However often one tries to run away from error, seeking fresh scenes and friends, he will find error confronting him until his own thought is purified and he learns that Love is everywhere and the kingdom of heaven within. Our dear Leader has put the truth tersely in words which all may understand, on page 4 of Science and Health, where she says, "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds."

The Pharisees were looking for the Messiah to come in pomp as a great king; but mankind's need was for humility, and so he who more than all others demonstrated the Christ, was cradled in a manger. Jesus saw the human need of purification when he whipped pride, arrogance, and greed out of the temple, and told the self-righteous Pharisees that they had made his Father's house a den of thieves.

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