Article April 13, 1929 Issue

"Be ye therefore perfect"

FERN V. HERZOG

For long centuries a great amount of time and effort has been spent in searching for deliverance from the bondage enforced upon mankind by false material theories and beliefs, which carry with them trials, discords, and disappointments. But every effort made from a merely material standpoint only serves to draw the bonds more closely about mortals until they are compelled to look away from self to find a way of escape. Here Christian Science comes to the rescue, promising deliverance from disease and discord of every name and nature. Obedience to its teaching is the only requirement, and the more childlike and humble one's acceptance of the truth it presents the more quickly is one made free.

As recorded in the fifth chapter of Matthew, Christ Jesus admonished and instructed his disciples and followers in the manner in which they should live in order to inherit eternal life. The Sermon on the Mount covers every mode of mortal thought and living, and is for all to accept and practice. In the forty-eighth verse of this chapter is the clear and definite command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." How are we to gain this state of perfection? Is it reached merely by desiring it, or is one lifted into it in some mysterious manner? Perfection can be attained only by earnestly seeking to gain an understanding of the real man which Christ Jesus represented, even the perfect man created in the image and likeness of God. This real man always has been, is now, and ever will be God's perfect likeness. But human consciousness must be born again; and this new birth is "the renewing of your mind," to use Paul's phrase.

The first step necessary in exchanging false mortal concepts for true spiritual ideas is to gain some understanding of our Father-Mother God, who is infinitely perfect. As our knowledge of God increases, we can better understand His creation, spiritual man and the spiritual universe. Jesus declared, "God is a Spirit;" and the beloved disciple John said, "God is love." Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, states on page 275 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Spirit, Life, Truth, Love, combine as one,—and are the Scriptural names for God. All substance, intelligence, wisdom, being, immortality, cause, and effect belong to God." As one gains a clearer understanding of these truths, one realizes with joy that God is not afar off, but is present here and now for each of His children to understand and love. What a sense of peace and contentment this knowledge brings to one burdened with the woes of mortal sense! What freedom comes with the realization that divine Love is forever giving life, health, and happiness impartially to one and all! Our need is to utilize and to express our gratitude for these gifts of God. Each thought and desire should be toward this end.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"Be ye therefore perfect"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access