As a teenager, I attended a church that taught that everyone is a miserable sinner. I often cried myself to sleep at night, thinking I was a horrible person steeped in sin. I even wondered whether there was any point trying to be good. This deep feeling of unworthiness continued until I began earnestly studying Christian Science. Through my study of the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, I was lifted out of the view that we are sinners. I began to gain a clearer understanding of my – and everyone’s – worthiness.
One idea I love most that I discovered in my study is the concept of the real man. Science and Health states, “The real man is spiritual and immortal, but the mortal and imperfect so-called ‘children of men’ are counterfeits from the beginning, to be laid aside for the pure reality. This mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man and seek the true model” (p. 409).
This was such a freeing explanation to me. I began to understand that the real or new man is our spiritual identity based on our oneness with God. The old man is a way of thinking steeped in matter, fear, and sin. I saw that I could let go of any thoughts that would suggest that sin is an inevitable part of me or of anyone.
The Bible speaks of our worthiness in God’s sight. For example, “I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: … Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee” (Isaiah 43:3, 4).
Christ Jesus came to tell each of us that we are worthy. He said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6, 7).
We know this is true, because the very beginning of the Bible says that we are made in God’s image. God would never create anything unlike Himself. So you and I and everyone reflect His good and pure nature. We were created worthy and remain so always, as I found out a few years ago.
I had a great job that I was very satisfied with. I worked with good people, and could gladly have done that job for many more years before retiring. However, suddenly, I was approached by several organizations with new job opportunities. I was both flabbergasted and humbled that they wanted me to work for them. I felt a calm assurance that all was well and I could follow God’s direction.
I listened as each of the organizations explained the roles they hoped I would fill. In some cases, these were leadership roles, but leading a group of people was not something I felt I was special enough to do. I didn’t feel I was particularly well-spoken or a standout achiever. Still, I was learning to listen to God and to see myself as His worthy child.
I was led to accept a job halfway across the country. I am so grateful to have this job, in which I lead a group of deep thinkers in a cause close to my heart. The best thing about my job is that I get to see not just my own worthiness to lead this group, but each individual’s worthiness as God’s child. Together, we work arm in arm doing God’s work each day.
As worthy children of God, we are loved by divine Love. This relationship is never altered by our behavior or mistakes. However, if we do find that we could have done better or acted in a more loving manner, divine Love is ever present to correct us, and to guide us in putting off the old man and putting on the new man.
These foundational, scientific truths can speak to each of us, revealing our true existence as God’s good, worthy children. The firm foundation on which Christian Science is built – that God is our creator, and so we each are spiritual, not material, made always worthy, never unworthy – is a game changer!
Originally published in the March 2023 issue of The Christian Science Journal.
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