Christ Jesus' command that we should be perfect might seem to demand a high standard for his followers, and yet all thinking men and women are, in different ways, striving for perfection. Each is working out his salvation in the way he is led. And here comes the need to watch against self-righteousness.
One who is trying to be a good Christian Scientist and wants his thoughts and actions to be the highest he knows, may, if he sees that the actions of others do not seem to conform to the standard he has set for himself, tend to indulge in destructive criticism. How grateful we should be for Mary Baker Eddy's helpful advice on our attitude towards others given on page 224 of "Miscellaneous Writings," where we are reminded that another's history, character, opinions, and ambitions differ from our own.
"Then," Mrs. Eddy says, "we should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; with an equanimity so settled that no passing breath nor accidental disturbance shall agitate or ruffle it; with a charity broad enough to cover the whole world's evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it,— determined not to be offended when no wrong is meant, nor even when it is, unless the offense be against God."
