Article November 12, 1949 Issue

THE STANDARD OF PERFECTION IS THE STANDARD OF LIBERTY

PETER J. HENNIKER HEATON

Many people have thought at one time or another, "I should like to be a student of Christian Science, but it sets too high a standard; it would make too great demands on me." Christian Science does indeed set up a high standard, but it is not one to be afraid of. So far from burdening us with its demands, it liberates us and leads us to the enjoyment of fuller, freer, and more worth-while living.

If we were to think of its standard as set up by mortals and striven after by mortals, we might well be apprehensive. But Christian Science teaches that the only real standard is set up by God; and it is not merely high, but is the standard of perfection. Christian Science further teaches that man is made in the image and likeness of God and that therefore, reflecting his Parent and Maker, he measures up to the divine standard unlaboriously and inevitably. "Be ye therefore perfect," said Jesus, "even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Suppose disease presents itself. The Christian Scientist confidently knows that his prospects for overcoming it are not governed by transient human standards of shifting health. "When the enemy shall come in like a flood," wrote Isaiah, "the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him" (Isa. 59:19). The Christian Scientist looks beyond variable human measuring rods to the standard raised up by Spirit of perfect God and perfect man, spiritually enjoying health in every detail of his being. As he abides in the consciousness of this perfection, his belief in the reality of disease ebbs and disappears.

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