What qualities do I consider most attractive, most worthy of cherishing? is a question that the student of Christian Science may advantageously ask himself. The answer is important because the qualities which one manifests shape one's character and determine one's environment.
Wisdom in choosing companions as well as in cultivating the art of being a friend oneself not only brings happiness and opportunities for helpfulness but likewise strengthens the tendency to think unselfishly for the good of others. When one is guided by spiritual understanding, he will be protected from unwise and unhelpful associations and will not be deceived by superficial attractions. Mary Baker Eddy gives the correct standard of companionship when she writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 57), "Beauty, wealth, or fame is incompetent to meet the demands of the affections, and should never weigh against the better claims of intellect, goodness, and virtue."
Clearly in this instance our Leader has contrasted spiritual values with those which are merely physical and fleeting. Man, manifesting the righteousness, intelligence, and radiance of his Maker, possesses riches and loveliness beyond any mortal conception. "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame," a poet has aptly written. Is it not far better to seek first and foremost the gifts of God. spiritual qualities, rather than the sense dreams of mortal mind?
