Man Made in God's Likeness

WINIFRED STERLING GORHAM

IN Genesis, first chapter, we read: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." As God could never be anything but perfect, His creation, man, must ever be perfect. Any concept of man as fallen or imperfect is a lie about God's creation. This lie was recognized by Paul as belonging to the "carnal mind," which, he said, "is enmity against God." What we have to do, therefore, when any inharmonious condition or evil suggestion presents itself, is to deny its reality, as we are taught in Christian Science. On page 495 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, it is written: "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not."

How significant is the word "calm," in relation to our trusting, as brought out by Mrs. Eddy. Unless we are calm, or still, we cannot be said to be really trusting; for how can we entertain thoughts of fear and worry, which are always disturbing elements, and at the same time bring out a clear sense of trust? Therefore, in order that his trust may prove effective, one must refuse to admit any suggestion of agitation or of confusion into one's consciousness.

Man is inseparable from his Father-Mother God; and being His spiritual creation, what unlimited power and joy must he reflect! It is our duty, then, to maintain the sense of man's unbroken unity with God, and in this way to abide under His law, the law of good. When we are obedient to God's commands, and strive earnestly to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our "good works," and glorify our Father which is in heaven, then indeed we do behold ourselves as God's own children, and are able to work out our salvation according to God's plan. As Mrs. Eddy states in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 210): "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will towards men, health, and holiness."

Let us give up all illusive ideals, know ourselves as the true children of God, and enter into our rightful heritage of dominion over the earth. We need no longer look to the past or to the future, but rather leave them with God, and trustingly go forward to work and watch for wisdom in our daily tasks. We must make use of all the talents God has bestowed upon each of us, or they will be lost to us. God knows our every need, and will supply that need; but we must do our part, and open our hearts to Him, that we may reflect Him. Too often we would outline in our thinking some plan for the future, only to find that our outlining has led us astray, and that we must retrace our steps and become obedient to God's commands, which are always right.

The writer never sees the stars at night without thinking of the Father's watchful care of His children, guiding them continually, even as He does the stars. The real self of each is a separate and complete idea of God, and manifests His love. It matters not where we are, if we are reflecting the divine Mind our radiance will go forth to warm the hearts of men.

What tenderness and compassion Jesus bestowed on all with whom he came in contact! That was evidence of the presence of the healing Christ; and nothing short of unselfish love will bring relief to those we desire to bless. We may be able to quote any number of truthful passages from the Bible and from Science and Health, but without this love, which irresistibly and fervently seeks to bless, our words are vain. Our hearts must overflow with love if we are to reach those who are hungering for the truth.

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