Perhaps there is no term more frequently applied to Christ Jesus by Christian Scientists than that of Way-shower. They love to think of him as having walked all the way which each mortal must tread in order to reach the final goal of heaven. They are glad to know that he has tested and taken properly every step in the journey. They recognize, as Paul tells us, that he "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin;" therefore, that he not only taught the way, but gave a practical example of how to take each step properly, progressively, and triumphantly. They dwell with love and reverence on his marvelous victories over sin, disease, and death. They concur with Mrs. Eddy in what she says of him, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 26), "While we adore Jesus, and the heart overflows with gratitude for what he did for mortals,—treading alone his loving pathway up to the throne of glory, in speechless agony exploring the way for us,—yet Jesus spares us not one individual experience, if we follow his commands faithfully."
Yes,—Christian Scientists are quite sure of the grandeur of Jesus' demonstration; but what of following his commands? How many really study his life and works with the intent of discovering what the necessary steps are, and how to take them if one is to walk in his pathway? Instead, are not many satisfied to view them in a certain general way, and while willing even to rhapsodize over his wonderful life-work, how many stop to realize that since he is our Way-shower every word and deed of his is of paramount importance to each and every one, if we are to go and "do likewise"?
The Christian Scientist who has even a little understanding of the letter of Christian Science is quite aware that the way Jesus walked was the way from sense to Soul. It was the way out of the beliefs of a supposed existence in matter—separated from God—into the proof that man is always and forever the son of God, the image and likeness of infinite Spirit,—Life, Truth, Love,—always and forever at one with the Father. This every Christian Scientist accepts without questioning. But are we all awake to the necessity of carefully and earnestly studying our Master's life in order that we may win thereby the illumination needed on our own pathway? How often, instead, do we stumble blindly along without even endeavoring to find out what Jesus did under circumstances similar to those we are encountering?
