Article January 28, 1928 Issue

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."

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