Article June 29, 1974 Issue

Appreciation of Our Genuine Worth

KENNETH EUGENE BARTLETT

Whether one is seventeen, trying to establish his identity, or seventy, endeavoring to maintain a satisfying place in society, his happiness is promoted by consciously establishing a spiritually based sense of worth.

This entails turning to God as the source of being, for in God's plan we are individually indispensable in reflecting His qualities. Just as every member of a football team or a symphony orchestra is essential to the group's proper functioning, so are we—in our real selfhood—needed to enable divine Mind's universe of spiritual ideas to operate perfectly.

As people become conscious of their true infinite value to God, and as they strive to bring it out in their day-to-day experience, they find fulfillment and happiness. Mrs. Eddy says, "Happiness consists in being and in doing good; only what God gives, and what we give ourselves and others through His tenure, confers happiness: conscious worth satisfies the hungry heart, and nothing else can."^{Message to The Mother Church for 1902, p. 17;} Regular prayer for the world, consideration for others, unselfish devotion to worthy causes, giving of time and effort in the role of a good Samaritan—these are ways we can both benefit our fellowmen and find peace and joy.