Self-interest is a common human trait. We act in certain directions because we believe it will be good for ourselves. How important that we understand what good really is, so that we won't be fooled by shady methods and shoddy goals!

Sometimes a goal seems so right or alluring that we are tempted to justify questionable means for reaching it. Throughout human history this sophistry has been a troublemaker, and more than occasionally we see it rearing its nasty head in the business world of the nineteen seventies. But it's a self-defeating ploy both for an individual and an organization.

Dishonest methods sometimes promise—and seem to deliver— quick results, short-term gains, but in the long draw they fail miserably and destroy reputation and self-respect. No asset is so valuable as an unblemished reputation earned through fair dealing, and nothing satisfies more than wholesome self-respect based on integrity. A writer in the book of Proverbs knew what he was talking about when he said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." ^{Prov. 22:1;}

Good business ethics need a firmer foundation than mere enlightened humanism. They require a foundation in spiritual values. It is important to understand that consistent right conduct is the outcome of the scientific understanding of man's relationship to God, omnipotent divine Principle. Christian Science reveals man's true identity to be spiritual, an idea in divine Mind, the reflection or expression of God's perfect being.

The real man, then, embodies the love, integrity, purity, and justice inherent in God's nature, and when this is understood and applied in business affairs, we have a firm ethical foundation that blesses all concerned.

Business ethics have deteriorated in some quarters because these very spiritual values are being flouted as mere myths. A secular society has led some to reject the existence of a higher law of good. Some feel themselves free to do what they like in a universe they see as utterly soulless and mechanistic.

It is the mission of Christian Science to destroy this cynicism by actually demonstrating that divine Principle exists and its law of invariable good is practical. Students of this Science can prove that through obedience to this law business activity is enhanced, not retarded. They can show to the world that integrity aligns one's thought with omniscient, omniactive Mind. This brings the wisdom and acuteness that spell success.

Do we wish to reap the fruits of Mind-oriented thought and action? Then, Mrs. Eddy tells us, "Human will must be subjugated." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118;} And she continues: "We cannot obey both God, good, and evil,—in other words, the material senses, false suggestions, self-will, selfish motives, and human policy. We shall have no faith in evil when faith finds a resting-place and scientific understanding guides man. Honesty in every condition, under every circumstance, is the indispensable rule of obedience."

The study of Christian Science reveals the scientific reason why obedience to good brings positive results, why Godlike thinking can bless business activity. It can and does because every aspect of one's day-by-day experience is a mental phenomenon that portrays the thoughts of the individual. As human thought becomes acquainted with the nature of God as infinite Mind, or divine Principle, and recognizes the inseparable unity of man's real identity with this perfect Mind, this truth corrects and uplifts human consciousness, enriches it with Godlike qualities. These qualities in turn externalize themselves in harmony, abundance, and ever-expanding progress.

In the sixth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, Christ Jesus illustrates, through the figures of bird, flower, grass, how God, divine Love, cares for and supplies His creation. Our job is to accept the actuality of this Love. Then we shall trust it, and we shall strive to express its nature in the detail of both home and business life.

This is the ethic that will regenerate the atmosphere of the world of commerce. But if it is to bring lasting abundance and success, it must be put first. The Master said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." ^{Matt. 6:33;}

Disobedience to the law of integrity may not always bring about immediate disaster to the cheat. In fact, instant retribution is rare, and the dishonest often believe that they are getting away with their infractions. But Paul warns, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." ^{Gal. 6:7;} We must learn that we cannot escape the results of our thoughts and acts. Sooner or later they will come home to roost, and according to their quality will spell success or failure, happiness or misery.

Mrs. Eddy states incisively, "Let it be understood that success in error is defeat in Truth." ^{Science and Health, p. 239.} There can be no genuine satisfaction in the outer trappings of business prosperity if the solid core of integrity and conscientious work is missing. In the last analysis, what everyone is really seeking—consciously or unconsciously—is a genuine and expanded sense of spiritual good. Business activity is often the means through which this is done, and a true sense of accomplishment is the reward of Principle-governed conduct.

Alan A. Aylwin