Men and women who are working to solve today's large-scale socioeconomic problems sometimes use a technique called model building. They mentally construct a model of their ideal objective. With this ideal in mind they systematically attack and solve single parts of the problem until all parts fit together and the ideal is achieved operationally.

This is a vastly oversimplified explanation of a problem-solving technique which uses the elaborate resources of modern technology. However, in developing and achieving the ideal community we can draw some useful spiritual parallels.

What is the ideal community like?

A clear vision of the spiritually ideal community was recorded by St. John in the book of Revelation in the Bible. He saw an ideal community. No more tears, no more death, sorrow or crying. No more pain. John also recorded the promise he was given: "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie." ^{Rev. 21:27;}

John actually experienced this. His spiritual understanding had been so awakened by his teacher, Christ Jesus, that he was able to see this spiritually real city or community with all its affairs and inhabitants governed by God. What a vision!

The question logically follows, Is there any way through which an individual today can so cultivate his spiritual sense that he can see such an ideal community and help to bring it about for the benefit of all mankind?

Yes, there is a way. John's experience points to a religious approach. Spiritual qualities of thought and action, which have their source in God, can be applied to the communities in which we live and work. They can correct and heal, not just for our own comfort and well-being, but for all in the community. In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures is a paragraph headed "Perfect models." Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes: "We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives. Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love— the kingdom of heaven—reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear." ^{Science and Health, p. 248;}

Each one of us is part of a community, and a Christian Scientist who has the unselfish desire to love and help his brother man has a special opportunity—something important to contribute. One who prays to practice daily a higher and purer Christianity can't help uplifting his own thoughts and blessing others.

Mrs. Eddy says about the individual expression of love: "Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or goodness without activity and power. As a human quality, the glorious significance of affection is more than words: it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent, ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows; the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a side door; the little feet tripping along the sidewalk; the gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark places of earth." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 250.}

One who loves the community and sees its spiritual, real nature will help bring it closer to the perfect model. Spiritually-minded men and women will perceive ways to be of service. They won't be working for the community merely as a salve for their own consciences. Enlightened by the heavenward-tending guidance of the Bible and of Mrs. Eddy's writings, thinkers and workers won't get off the spiritual track into sympathetic solace as an end in itself. They will be held to the heights of healing compassion. Human needs will be met with the effect of divinity—the felt presence of God.

The perfect community is characterized by satisfaction, health, justice, intelligence, abundance, and the brotherhood of man. With the perfect model held firmly in thought, spiritually well-armed students of Christian Science can systematically and scientifically attack the too vividly described problems of alienation, racism, poverty, corruption, exploitation, ignorance, sensuality, and crime.

The spiritual qualities comprising the model community are real, eternal, and present for the very reason that they have their source in God who is real, eternal, and present. Spiritual, healing qualities are not ethereal or elusive, because God is not ethereal or elusive. We see this when we prove His healing power in our lives. Listening for God's direction and carrying through the spiritual impulse, will help to transform and regenerate the community and its inhabitants.

The opportunity for healing will be presented in appropriate fashion to every receptive, willing heart. The Christian Science practitioner will be a more effective healer in the community. The young Christian Scientist will find the wisdom and the occasion to help a friend in need. The businessman may find new ways to help with community economic development. The teacher may bring fresh inspiration to education. Anyone with spiritual vision and skill can help and heal.

One's contribution, no matter how significant, may sometimes go unacknowledged humanly. However, the expression of love never goes unrewarded because it is the expression of Love, God. It blesses us. To express God's love is the ultimate purpose of being, which is at once our own incentive and reward.

This special issue of the Christian Science Sentinel is devoted to the subject of the Community. Throughout its pages are ideas and suggestions that have been prayerfully proved by Christian Scientists in active love for their communities. This is not a flag-waving crusade to enlist citizens in community action, but it should serve as spiritual encouragement for those already including community needs in their prayers. And perhaps it will awaken others to the vast Christian possibilities for uplifting mankind toward conforming to the perfect model community.