Editorial July 22, 1991 Issue

The development from egocentrism to spiritual love

Michael D. Rissler

I understand from a teacher at a nearby teachers college that there's a term to describe a young child's perspective of the world. The term is egocentric. What this means is that in the development of a child, his early perspective of the world has him at the center.

This doesn't necessarily mean that a child is "selfish" as we commonly use that term. It's just that the young child isn't familiar with much beyond his own needs and limited experiences. But as he matures—or develops—the child becomes progressively cognizant of others and their needs.

Perhaps there's a parallel in the development of our own Christianity and love for others. When one first awakens to the promise of Christianity—its hope for redemption, happiness, healing, and salvation—it all seems to relate to "me." This phase of Christianity is certainly seen in those who came to Christ Jesus. Multitudes came for healing. Relatively few came, however, to take up the healing work of others as disciples, or students, of the Master.

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