Editorial May 5, 1951 Issue

WHO SHALL BE GREATEST?

Helen Wood Bauman

When the disciples asked Christ Jesus (Matt. 18:1), "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" he pointed them to the humility of a little child. On another occasion, which Luke records (22:24-27), when there was "a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest," he explained that it would be "he that doth serve." He said very simply, "I am among you as he that serveth." True greatness, then, is to be found in childlike humility and guilelessness, which demonstrate spiritual power; in useful service, which blesses all. These are the measurements of divinity.

Christian Science teaches greatness through service. It arrests self-importance by its humbling test of spiritual dominion over sin, sickness, and every mortal distress. It proves that self-immolation, not self-exaltation, provides the greatness that heals through goodness.

Mary Baker Eddy merits the name of greatness because she served in the widest sense of usefulness. and always with humility and love that healed. She taught Christian Scientists to work for the glory of God, not with human ambition to excel others. She says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 303): "We are brethren in the fullest sense of that word; therefore no queries should arise as to 'who shall be greatest.' Let us serve instead of rule, knock instead of push at the door of human hearts, and allow to each and every one the same rights and privileges that we claim for ourselves."

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