MAN, we learn from the Scriptures, was created in God's image and likeness. This creation is complete and wholly good. The man of God can never alter his character. He necessarily remains from everlasting to everlasting exactly as he was in the beginning—perfect, upright.
The Psalmist perceived the nature of God's man and sang (Ps. 37:37), "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." Of what value is it to behold the man of God's creation if in so doing we merely take note of the nature of that man and forthwith forget or shun his perfection? Christian Science, with a spiritual and practical view of the Bible, shows clearly how one may not only regard or look upon perfect man, but also use what he beholds to improve his health and to better his human situation in general.
Perhaps Paul, in his many allusions to man in his writings, had in thought the Psalmist's plea. For example, in Ephesians (4:13), after speaking of the gifts of God which are given to us, Paul envisions the time when "we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." And again, he said to the Galatians (3:26, 27): "Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." The only logical reason an individual has for giving heed or attention to the man of God's creating is that he may exemplify in his own experience the qualities of God which he beholds. The more he knows of man in God's likeness, the more closely he can pattern that infinite design in his daily life.
