An article in a recent issue of Saturday Review discussed the human potential. It mentioned several well-known behavioral scientists who believe that human beings are functioning at a small fraction of their capacities, even, one writer estimates," as little as 5 percent. The author, Dr. Herbert A. Otto, says, "Man essentially remains a mystery. From the depths of this mystery there are numerous indicators of the human potential." ^{Saturday Review, December 20, 1969, p. 14 ;} And he likens our knowledge of this potential to the small part of the iceberg that is seen above the water.

These scientists were referring to the human self and not to spiritual, individual man, who, according to Scriptural revelation, is made in God's likeness. If only 5 or possibly 10 percent of the human individual's potential is being utilized, one wonders what percent of the real man's potential is being expressed. The question is how to tap the latent abilities of God's man.

By lifting efforts to increase the capabilities of mankind by means of human research and exploration to basing them firmly on the understanding of man as God's image, or reflection, Christian Scientists make definite headway in overcoming the limitations of material belief. Of course, this takes work. It calls for persistent recognition of God as the only Mind of man and for abandonment of the belief that the mind of man is mortal and terribly restricted.

Improvement in human capabilities and skills appears in the measure of one's demonstration of the spiritual elements of manhood. Mary Baker Eddy says in her Miscellaneous Writings: "Human skill but foreshadows what is next to appear as its divine origin. Proportionately as we part with material systems and theories, personal doctrines and dogmas, meekly to ascend the hill of Science, shall we reach the maximum of perfection in all things." ^{Mis., p. 232;}

Definite breakthroughs in the ability to express man's potential have occurred throughout history. Perhaps the first great breakthrough came when Moses received the revelation of God as the "I AM" (see Ex.,Chap.3). In that momentous experience Moses recognized that God is one Mind—infinite consciousness. This truth has tremendous meaning to mankind, for since Mind is One and infinite, God is the only Mind of man.

When Moses yielded to Deity's self-assertion, this gave him the intelligence to interpret divine law to humanity in terms of moral behavior, which liberates. In fact, it gave him power over matter in marked degree. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Moses advanced a nation to the worship of God in Spirit instead of matter, and illustrated the grand human capacities of being bestowed by immortal Mind." ^{Science and Health, p. 200;}

Once we realize that "grand human capacities" are bestowed by immortal Mind and are not achieved by personal experimentation we have a Principle to demonstrate and effective rules to apply to limited human beliefs.

The second great breakthrough in the realization of man's potential came with the virgin birth of Jesus and its proof of God's fatherhood of man. Subsequently a voice from heaven proclaimed of Jesus, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." ^{Matt. 3:17;} The Christ, the true idea of man's sonship with God, destroys human limitations. It is destined to demonstrate fully the God-bestowed abilities of man.

Jesus portrayed the full potential of man. As an individual he worked out that potential for all the world to see. By teaching his disciples to heal, he showed that power over matter was not peculiar to himself.

The third breakthrough of man's potential has come in our times through the discovery of Christian Science, the divine law that Jesus demonstrated as the force of God's loving will. This Science, discovered and founded by Mrs. Eddy, who, herself, manifested man's potential in a marvelous degree, makes universal the power that Jesus utilized to prove the spiritual possibilities of every individual. It makes practical the Master's command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." ^{5:48 .}

If we believe that our potential lies within ourselves, that we can produce the hidden nine-tenths of it through personal research, then we are doomed to disappointment. Instead, we must wake to the scientific truth that all abilities, all intelligence, all powers, begin with God, the one Mind—our Mind. Whatever we manifest of capability or talent or comprehension of the truth comes from this Mind and is Mind's expression. And whatever comes from Mind possesses the characteristic of infinity.

In what measure is each of us fulfilling his spiritual potential? A meager sense of good we already express can expand through humility. A limited sense of intellect can develop into deep wisdom and broad understanding. A personal sense of honesty can grow into the scientific integrity that admits the reality of only that which expresses divine Truth. A human sense of affection can become through prayer the purity that sees perfection. And when we progress to the point of beholding the perfect ideas of Mind, we will have attained perfection ourselves. Our potential will witness to the self-revelation of the Principle that makes a perfect creation.

Helen Wood Bauman