Editorial December 10, 1955 Issue

THE BASIS OF PROGRESS

Harold Molter

If one were to ask a number of successful persons, "What is the basis of your success?" some would undoubtedly say, "It is hard work." But mere success in business and other avenues of endeavor does not always spell progress for the individual. It requires more than hard work to be truly successful—to progress mentally, or spiritually, as well as materially.

We all recall Jesus' description of the rich man whose harvest was so great that he decided to tear down his barns and to build larger ones in which to store his goods. With a feeling of material success and self-satisfaction he looked forward selfishly to enjoying the fruit of his labors for many years. But that night, the story implies, he died. This was indeed a hollow success, and it merited Jesus' admonition (Luke 12:21), "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Our Master pointed to the basis of real progress when he said that he sought always to do the will of the Father, not his own will. No one can truly succeed unless he is ready to accept divine Love as the guiding Principle in his life. Christian Science reveals that without a clear understanding of God and His unerring law of progress there can be no true success. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (p. 241), "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the cornerstone of all spiritual building is purity."

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