"Individual" and "responsibilIty" are two important words in the phraseology of Christian Science, and when united they mean more than at first would appear. What belongs to each individual, and yet that which has its own distinct identity, cannot fail to be of deep interest to all. While Christian Science emphasizes the great unity of all in God, the thought of individuality in each is of much importance.
In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p.18) Mrs. Eddy writes: "Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage. His mission was both individual and collective. He did life's work aright not only in justice to himself, but in mercy to mortals,—to show them how to do theirs, but not to do it for them nor to relieve them of a single responsibility." Here the beloved Leader of Christian Science has stated for all time the fact that one's work can never be done by another. Had such a thing been possible, after Jesus' perfect demonstration there would never again have been sin or sickness in the world. His complete overcoming of every form of evil would have been sufficient to have annihilated evil's every claim. He, however, marked the way in which each individual must walk in order to prove his own unity with God, good.
In writing to the Galatians, Paul declared: "Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden;" while his statement, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure," is familiar to all. Here the apostle not only emphasizes the necessity of each one doing his work, but he also points out the fact that individual work can never be properly done except as the responsibility for it is vested in God.
