TRUTH NOT SELF THE STANDARD

ANNIE M. KNOTT

As Christian Scientists we cannot too often remind ourselves of the high and holy standard set for us in the teachings of our text-book,—viz., the perfect idea of perfect Mind. The habit of measuring ourselves or others by a mortal concept as to what man should be, tends to self-satisfaction on the one hand or to self-condemnation on the other. Those who indulge in self-satisfaction are apt to measure themselves and their achievements by a low standard, by some one or some work which they consider far below their own attainments, and they are apt to be rudely awakened from their pleasing dream when they discover that their work does not even come up to the popular demand. Many go through the years of mortal experience wondering why they are not more successful, when Mr. So-and-so, who is no better in any way, is forging to the front.

This attitude really explains the whole situation—the failure to make satisfactory progress. The grumbler—and he is more numerous than he should be—lets thought range only in the narrow limits of personal sense. He sees others through the lens of material belief, and decides that he is at least as good as they are—which may or may not be true. In any case this would be of no consequence, as an imperfect mortal never constitutes a standard by which a correct judgment can be formed. As the risen Master said to Peter, at that wonderful breakfast on the seashore, "What is that to thee? follow thou me."

The one who accepts no other standard than the Christly one of perfection will always be humble as he measures his thoughts, words, and deeds by it; but he will not be cast down, for with this standard ever before him he will make some progress each day, take a step in advance for which he will thank God and take courage. He will cease (if he has ever indulged it) the pernicious habit of measuring himself by others, and thus he will rise above the enervating vice of satisfaction with imperfect efforts and attainments in any of his activities.

All service is holy if consecrated to a high ideal, but there comes ofttimes a temptation to offer on this altar that which is far from perfect,—the halting and lame endeavor,—and Truth asks, as of old, "Should I accept this of your hand?" There is really no excuse for poor work on the part of the Christian Scientist, for he knows what it means to express in his work the divine intelligence, our Father in heaven, who is perfection itself. It goes without saying that no work can be really well done until man is understood as a spiritual being. The spiritual man can do no poor work.

In the article "Pond and Purpose," our revered Leader tells in a wonderful way what changes come to those who respond to the mighty influence of Truth. She says, "It develops individual capacity, increases the intellectual activities, and so quickens moral sensibility that the great demands of spiritual sense are recognized" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 204); and on page 206 she adds, "Idleness is the foe of progress." When we constantly look away from the poor mortal concept toward God's perfect idea, the true activity, which has its rise in spirituality, forever impels us onward and upward, toward the realization of the perfect in all things, and self drops out of sight, for self has nothing to do with the divine ideal. Instead of self-satisfaction there is the joy of working toward this lofty ideal in everything, and this is what gives greatness to character and calls forth the commendation, "Well done,... enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

ANNIE M. KNOTT.

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LETTERS TO OUR LEADER

February 27, 1909

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