Editorial May 3, 1930 Issue

Ambition

Violet Ker Seymer

In the light of Mrs. Eddy's statement that "the only true ambition is to serve God and to help the race" (Message to The Mother Church for 1902, p. 3), we cannot be sufficiently ambitious. No one's daily life need be colorless, purposeless. Through the practice of Christian Science it can become purposeful, fruitful, hallowed by this sacred ambition.

Often, however, ambition strenuously pursued along purely material and personal lines intrudes itself in place of real ambition, and takes first place, especially in the estimate of the breadwinner. This does not mean that one should not follow an honorable and lucrative profession. But since man is spiritual, not material, it does mean that one's first aim should be to progress spiritually. First and foremost, one should strive to rise above sin, anxiety, jealousy, rush, and acquire the qualities which characterize the image and likeness of God and lead one heavenward.

The Christian Scientist who, in carrying out the duties of his profession and earning for himself and for his family, yet keeps before him the ideal of holiness, joy, wisdom, accuracy, order, need not anticipate retrenchment, poverty, superannuation, curtailed opportunity, for the greater blessedness provides for all lesser needs, even as our Master always taught and demonstrated.

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