Editorial November 19, 1984 Issue

Religion that isn't selfish

WILLIAM E. MOODY

Those who know the pure Christianity that Christ Jesus brought to the world know it as religion that gives of its good. The Christian disciple is expected to live his life as an example of unselfishness. He strives to give all glory and praise to God. He freely extends love and comfort to his neighbor. He endeavors to put forth the kind of honest effort in fulfilling the tasks of life that will result in something tangible to help uplift the world and bring joy.

Many of Jesus' commands to his followers clearly exemplify the unselfish giving inherent in pure Christianity. In the Sermon on the Mount our Master said, "Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."^{Matt. 5:41.} And he even extended the responsibility for loving one's neighbor to include loving one's enemies as well: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."^{Matt. 5:44.}

When the Church of Christ, Scientist, was founded by Mary Baker Eddy, it was dedicated to ministering to mankind's needs as Jesus had taught. The following motion was unanimously accepted by the first members of her Church: "To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing."^{Manual of The Mother Church, p. 17.}