Mortals have many standards by which to measure greatness. If a poll could be taken of the human race as to the greatest person who ever lived, the answers would be varied indeed. They would depend very much on what gauge of measurement was used by the voter, influenced as he naturally would be by some dominant human interest or criterion— religious, philosophical, scientific, political, or military. One can think of many outstanding names that doubtless would be represented.
If the question were asked throughout Christendom, the answer would assuredly be "Christ Jesus," and it would be based upon the effects of his teaching on the spiritual progress of the human race and his own perfect demonstration of these teachings. Mary Baker Eddy writes of him in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 313), "Jesus of Nazareth was the most scientific man that ever trod the globe;" and she further adds as her reason for this decision that "he plunged beneath the material surface of things, and found the spiritual cause." His own standard of measurement was purely spiritual, and he gave it to all his followers in the command (Matt. 5:48), "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
As followers of Christ Jesus we must apply this measuring rod of perfection to all human action and progress now, in the immediate present. Christian Science demands perfection, and does not defer heaven to a future existence. But mortals shrink from using this perfect measuring rod, and often make all manner of excuses for failing more fully to demonstrate God's healing power.
