Article October 24, 1994 Issue

Rewards from an honest look within

Ralph W. Emerson

Probably all of us could find elements of character in ourselves that we would like to see improved. How does that fact jibe with the statement in the Bible that God made man in His own image, "very good"? (see Gen. 1:26–31).

Christian Science points out that man's likeness to God is our true, spiritual nature. Whatever appears as a sick or sinful, material mortal is obviously not that likeness. Therefore it is a mistaken view of the man God made and must be laid aside, or outgrown, as we awake to our true selfhood.

Such growth is not accomplished at a single leap! It is attained through the baptism of step-by-step spiritual purification. It comes through daily, continual efforts to be good and righteous, to follow the example of Christ Jesus, the epitome of purity and godliness in human history. Sometimes it is hard to admit one is wrong, even when one's sins cause him suffering. But once that admission is made, much of the battle is won. The rest may take time and effort, but it becomes a natural, clear course to the finish.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

An open letter from a shortwave listener