Editorial July 28, 1945 Issue

The Human Need

Margaret Morrison

Innumerable seem to be the needs of humanity, ranging from the simple supply of daily living to the complicated needs of a mighty nation—these interrelated needs all stemming from the one great need of men, to know and obey God, divine Principle. Christ Jesus, who best discerned and met all human needs, once said, when stopping in the home of friends in Bethany, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." What was that good part chosen by Mary? To sit at the feet of Jesus and hear the word of Life. Martha, "careful and troubled about many things," might also have learned of Jesus and so have been enabled to serve in her human way, uncumbered and untroubled, being "reconciled to Mary."

Mary Baker Eddy, who also chose that better part and sat at the feet of the Christ, Truth, has, in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," made plain the Science of Spirit, which alone meets all human needs. On page 224 she writes, "A higher and more practical Christianity, demonstrating justice and meeting the needs of mortals in sickness and in health, stands at the door of this age, knocking for admission." She follows that statement with the pertinent question as to whether the door will be opened or closed on this "angel visitant." This is a question to be answered by each individual: How widely am I opening my consciousness to this "angel visitant"?

In order rightly to meet a need one must first discern what that need is. This discernment comes only with spiritual understanding, spiritual awareness. Without this spiritual understanding our eyes may be blinded to the real need, no matter how acute the material senses may be. Judged by corporeal sense, the need may seem to be purely material, but spiritual sense awakens us to the fact that there is but one primary need—that is, to know the nature of God and His creation; to be awakened to His presence, His power, and His infinite love, in which man truly exists and knows no need. Matter of itself never has met, never does meet, and never will meet, the needs of mankind. On page 263 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says, "Always bear in mind that His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and reflect all bliss."

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