Article February 14, 1942 Issue

Ambition

CHARLES DUNCAN ROWE

Many centuries ago, David admonished mankind to recognize whence come honor and glory to a people who are striving to follow one God. "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted," he wrote. His songs of praise reveal the pinnacle of spiritual ambition, which, when established in individual consciousness, brings heaven on earth, the reign of God, Truth, into present experience. True ambition provides the impetus that elevates human character, that blends unselfishness with achievement, lends nobility to enterprise, combines meekness and grace with endeavor.

Mary Baker Eddy, the beloved Leader of all Christian Scientists, uses the word "ambition" a number of times in her writings to denote two opposite characteristics of the human mind: one, a noble and edifying quality; the other, a debased, selfish sense. Frequently she warns students of Christian Science against the exercise of mad ambition and self-seeking. Antithetically, in a ringing declaration, she writes that "the only true ambition is to serve God and to help the race" (Message to The Mother Church for 1902, p. 3).

Should not loyal Christian Scientists pattern their aims and ambitions after Mrs. Eddy's? This would surely mean an enlightened and wholehearted support of the activities that she instituted, such as the church services, Reading Rooms, periodicals, lectures. We should support them, not merely as a perfunctory duty, but with a zealous desire to see them accomplish their mission in the world as envisioned by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. Lovingly to take part in the activities of our movement is a sure way for the Christian Scientist "to help the race."

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