A Standard is an accepted or established model or rule. The eternal standard of Christian Science is perfection; unchanging Spirit and unchanging spiritual creation. This divine standard is undeviating in perfection, order, harmony, continuity, and completeness. Man, the idea of God, is never separated from this divine standard of perfection, for he is the reflection, the emanation of divine Principle, Love.
Does the standard of Christian Science seem too high, or too transcendental, to be of practical value from the human standpoint? Hear the supreme behest of Christ Jesus: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Christian Science shows us the way to attain this high standard and its spiritual benefits; for throughout her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy shows us clearly, yet simply, the way which leads human consciousness, step by step, out of its false material sense of self and up to the perfect spiritual reality of being. This textbook reveals to us the secrets of the Bible that were long hidden from the world. Indeed, it elucidates the method whereby Jesus did his healing work. For example, on pages 476 and 477 we read: "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick. Thus Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is intact, universal, and that man is pure and holy."
Progressive spiritual unfoldment with its useful and beneficial effects is both natural and necessary in the steady improvement, or upward swing, of the human race. Even in the realm of useful invention, do we not see a continual endeavor to approach greater proficiency and perfection? How often we marvel at the splendid progress that has been made as some outmoded model has given place to one of greater improvement! Do not these progressive changes point to the fact that the approach toward perfection is a natural inclination of human thought, and that the unfoldment of useful ideas, carried out in human inventions, is unlimited? All this, to outward sense, may seem to be along what is termed purely material lines; yet it should typify and indicate to us that progressively spiritual ideas are ever unfolding to human consciousness. These spiritual ideas lead receptive thought into the glorious understanding of divine Truth, bringing that spiritual regeneration which naturally manifests itself in higher morals, better health, and a freer and happier sense of existence; for the possibilities of divine Science, understood and demonstrated, are limitless.
