In the first chapter of Genesis we are told that man is made in the image and likeness of God. Knowing this truth, Christ Jesus tenderly commanded (Matt. 5:48), "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." As the image of God, man is as perfect as God is perfect. However, in order to demonstrate perfection, we must see that, as Christian Science teaches, man is spiritual, not material. Man is God's expression.

It is necessary for us to obey the First Commandment and to accept one power, God, Spirit, which silences the claims of mortality or of a selfhood in matter, and to find man's oneness with the divine Mind as Spirit's perfect likeness. When Paul said (Phil. 2), "Let this mind he in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," he was in effect urging us to keep the First Commandment, to have one Mind, one God, or good.

To understand man's perfection, it is necessary for us to become acquainted with God and His qualities. Jesus said (John 4:24), "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." On page 583 of our textbook, Mrs. Eddy defines "creator" as "Spirit; Mind; intelligence; the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good; self-existent Life, Truth, and Love; that which is perfect and eternal; the opposite of matter and evil, which have no Principle; God, who made all that was made and could not create an atom or an element the opposite of Himself."

But one might ask, What about the man made of flesh? and the answer might be that wherever a truth exists, a lie about this truth will try to assert itself. As we rise above the lie of mortal belief, which says that there is a material selfhood apart from God, Spirit, we begin to show forth our true being as the child of God, made in His likeness.

Christian Science teaches us that since God, Spirit, is All, matter is nothing. When we can separate evil from person, place, or thing and recognize a lie for what it is— nothing—we no longer need to be afraid; but we can prove God's dominion over error by knowing man's oneness with God, Spirit, as His reflection. Thus we shall rejoice in the definition of man, which is given in Science and Health (p. 591), "The compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind."

Some years ago the writer had an opportunity to prove the truth of man's perfection as God's likeness. When she chose to claim her oneness with God, Spirit, Life, Mind, and to know that the opposite of God—matter, death, and inaction—is no part of His image and likeness, this truth made her free. Free from what? Free in a measure from the lie that would say that man is material and not spiritual.

The writer was stricken with what was diagnosed as infantile paralysis. Her husband, not being a student of Christian Science, called in a physician who said that she could not live; that he had never witnessed such a severe case. It seemed that every organ of the body was affected, and it was believed that there was nothing to keep the heart from ceasing to function.

At the time the writer did not know that this verdict had been given about her condition. However, as she, with the aid of a Christian Science practitioner, held to the truth of being, it was revealed clearly to her that God is the Life of man and that man is one with Life as God's reflection. So clearly did she realize this oneness that she could look upon the inharmonious condition as no part of God or of His expression, perfect man. Soon it was evident that the so-called crisis had passed and that Truth was efficacious. The fear of death had been conquered.

Then the verdict was given that the victim of this ailment could never walk again. Therefore, the next challenge was to prove that God is all-acting and that His idea, man, is not a victim of false beliefs but that he expresses perfect action. The realization of this truth came slowly. During this time, however, the entire body was regulated, and gradually normal activity was experienced.

During these years the writer was able to care for her family, and in recent years has held a position in an office as stenographer.

Truly "man's extremity is God's opportunity," and a picture of helplessness has been changed to one of helpfulness and well-being. The healing is complete, and there is great rejoicing for this freedom. Recently, a medical examination for life insurance was required and was passed.

When we choose to hold steadfastly to the truth of God and of man, created in His likeness, and to know that God, divine Mind, Life, Truth, Love, is the only creator, error disappears. Our Leader says (ibid., p. 356): "There is neither a present nor an eternal copartnership between error and Truth, between flesh and Spirit. God is as incapable of producing sin, sickness, and death as He is of experiencing these errors. How then is it possible for Him to create man subject to this triad of errors,—man who is made in the divine likeness?"