HUMILITY is essential to growth in Christian Science. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, indicates this very plainly in her writings. Yet we are prone to overlook this important point when we delight in the pride of some accomplishment, education, or superior intellect. But we cannot avoid facing squarely our Leader's counsel in this regard (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 354): "Experience shows that humility is the first step in Christian Science, wherein all is controlled, not by man or laws material, but by wisdom, Truth, and Love."
This humility, which is so important, is not the groveling, humiliating self-depreciation which mortals confuse with humility. It is not a hypocritical attitude. It is not weak and effeminate. Rather is it the expression of true strength. It is genuine and honest. Humility is the recognition of God as the source of all and of man as the reflection, or expression, of this all-inclusive One. Humility leads to the understanding of man's true nature and value as the child of God, and it demands good works.
All of the qualities and attributes of God, divine Mind, are man's by reflection. Since God is infinite, His qualities and attributes must be numberless. They are not humanly limited, nor are they acquired by heredity, environment, or education. They are inherent in man's being as the image and likeness of God, and for this reason they cannot be exhausted. Some of these qualities and attributes are intelligence, life, strength, ability, health, purity, love, perfection, and so on. Man includes each one.
