Editorial June 25, 1949 Issue

DOING OUR BEST

Helen Wood Bauman

"We are all capable of more than we do." These challenging words of Mary Baker Eddy's are found on page 89 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." They are included in a discussion which explains that the power to express eloquence, beauty, or poetry depends upon the inspiration of Soul, God, and not necessarily upon the processes of education. But our Leader's words are applicable to every human endeavor, and one who adheres to the truths of Christian Science refuses to accept limitations of talent or intelligence imposed by various mortal beliefs of heredity and environment.

Christian Science rejects the evidence of the corporeal senses which presents man as a mortal, born of flesh and exercising meager spiritual and intellectual capabilities. It reveals man as the spiritual, conscious identity of being—the idea, or emanation, of divine Mind—and proves that his abilities are derived from Mind and hence are infinite. It shows that man's eternal function is to embody the attributes of divine Principle in all their boundless scope and range of beauty and usefulness. God's ability to express Himself is unlimited, and man's proficiencies and skills are likewise unlimited, for he is God's manifestation.

In the light of these compelling truths can the Christian Scientist ever feel satisfied with his spiritual endeavor or justified in saying, "I have done my best"? Such a statement is likely to spell stagnation, and it hints defeat. The boatman braced against the swift current cannot afford to rest on his oars or be content to keep even with the current if he expects to progress. No human endeavor is one's "best," for so long as the least limitation lingers in thought or accomplishment there are spiritual powers of performance to be demonstrated in proof of God's perfect creation. The scientific way is to remember our Leader's words, "We are all capable of more than we do." We can always declare, "I can do still better, for spiritual perfection is demonstrable."

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