Article January 17, 1983 Issue

What are we expressing?

L. GRACE JOHNSON

The qualities of the Christ are what everyone is looking for in his dealings with others, whether he realizes this or not. Jesus looked with compassion on the multitude, and we also should deal compassionately with the people we meet. This is in accord with a statement by Mrs. Eddy in Science and Health: "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure."^{Science and Health, p. 497.}

Qualities such as honesty, ability to get on with others, diligence, punctuality, reliability, responsibility, and so on have little to do with selfish ambition or wanting to get rich. But they are the characteristics that help to bring genuine happiness, success, and plenty; and they are beneficial to all. Christian Science leads to an ever-deepening grasp of the attributes needed in every walk of life and of how to claim them as originating in the all-knowing, all-loving Mind, God.

During times in one's career when promotion seems like an unrealizable dream, it is good to hold to thoughts like this in Science and Health: "God expresses in man the infinite idea forever developing itself, broadening and rising higher and higher from a boundless basis."^{Ibid., p. 258.} The infinitude of our Father-Mother God, when contemplated and applied, lifts thought above the frustrated feeling of being trapped in material circumstances to spiritual freedom and attainment. We learn that no one is outside the ever-present love of God. The realization that we are in reality God's infinite idea strengthens faith, understanding, joy, and brings practical results.