Article May 13, 1972 Issue

Why Self Last?

BEVERLY BEMIS HAWKS

A little boy who was displaying selfishness was reminded, "God first, your fellowman second, and self last." The child looked up at his mother and stated his honest feelings: "Well, it's all right with me for God to be first, but I don't want to be last!"

Of course no one wants to be last if it means only to favor another's selfish whims in exchange for his own. On such a basis most of us would share the child's attitude. However, "self last" has deep spiritual significance.

What is this self that must be subordinated? Obviously it is not true spiritual selfhood, for the simple reason that all of God's children, Mind's ideas, share equally in sonship, are subordinate only to Him, and none is superior or inferior to another. Having identical status, one does not really need another's help. But until human consciousness emerges from a false sense of self sufficiently to understand the spiritual excellence of all, it will be needful and right for people to help people. Then isn't the self that is to be subordinated the human sense of self-importance?

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No Involuntary Action
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