"The First Commandment is my favorite text." These words by Mrs. Eddy are on page 340 of Science and Health. The paragraph in which this statement appears outlines clearly the results which will follow a more universal understanding of and obedience to the First Commandment. Christian Science teaches that the spiritual universe, which is God-created and hence the only real universe, is filled with God's ideas. These ideas, the highest of which are the sons and daughters of God, are the reflections, the expressions, of the absolute Principle, God, which governs them. They are all obedient to God's law and therefore continuously dwell in perfect peace and harmony, sustained and protected by that law.
In the relative or human sense, mankind is striving in varying degrees for some measure of obedience. This is evident in the establishment of higher types of government and in the making and enforcing of more just laws. However, until a better understanding of God's law and of obedience to this law is attained, the endeavors of mankind will fall far short of success.
We may ask, How is mankind to reach the goal toward which, it is striving? The way is pointed out in these words (ibid., p. vii): "The only guarantee of obedience is a right apprehension of Him whom to know aright is Life eternal." Christian Science teaches that God is infinite Mind, divine Spirit, omnipotent Love, and that the real man is God's image and likeness. We need to pray earnestly each day for an increased understanding of God and for a higher, more spiritual concept of obedience.
