Article November 12, 1927 Issue

The Purpose of Life

KATHLEEN COOPER PIERCE

In the light of Christian Science the Bible tells us very plainly what the purpose of life is. Jesus' commands on the subject are very definite and imperative: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"! "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." On page 37 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy asks, "When will Jesus' professed followers learn to emulate him in all his ways and to imitate his mighty works?" Christian Scientists will ever be grateful to their beloved Leader, who through her unselfish and consecrated life was able to give to them the textbook of Christian Science, which so satisfactorily unlocks the so-called mysteries of the Bible, and unfolds to each receptive heart God's purpose for His beloved child.

Jesus' life was an example for all. From early youth he studied to know God, and he was ever occupied with his Father's business, teaching by simple parables the truths of the kingdom, and proving the Principle of his teaching by healing all manner of sin and disease. He made the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. Wherever there seemed to be a need, he supplied it, giving all glory and honor to his heavenly Father. Jesus was the Way-shower. He walked the way before us; and as Mrs. Eddy says on page 26 of Science and Health, he "spares us not one individual experience, if we follow his commands faithfully."

The great purpose of life, then, is to know God, good, and to recognize His presence everywhere. The unfolding of each flower that blooms, the gentle rain, the warm sunshine, the sturdy trees, the humble grass at our feet, the birds, the flowers—all are symbols of His love for us. Every unselfish act, every problem solved, every need supplied, instead of being mere chance, is the manifestation of the abundance of good ever flowing toward us.

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