Our human experience is a constant sifting of what is thought to be worthwhile from that which is thought to be worthless. Our own estimation of anything determines for us its value. Although general opinion has a tendency to set values in the human realm, in the final analysis we determine for ourselves the worth of everything that comes to our attention.
The writer of Proverbs answers the question, Wherein is value? in these words (8:11): "Wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." Some might interpret this wisdom as human knowledge. But the student of Christian Science is learning that spiritual understanding is true wisdom, for it awakens him to the truth that God and His spiritual creation are all that are really valuable because they are all that really exist. Then the standard for judging human values is: How do they measure up to that which is real?
Christian Science reveals that there is no value in material objects in themselves, because they are merely a false sense of real objects, which are spiritual. Whatever is useful or beautiful serves to meet our human needs, but Science warns us not to look to matter for usefulness or beauty, for they are not really there. All that is helpful is to be found in that which reflects the divine Mind, always present and so always available in forms we can understand.
When referring to the woman who bathed Christ Jesus' feet with expensive oil and her tears, Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 110): "Repentance is better than sacrifice. The costly balm of Araby, poured on our Master's feet, had not the value of a single tear."
Willingness to stop believing that matter and evil are real is basic to discovering permanent values, because real value is not found in the external appearance of things but within consciousness. Thus our correct appraisal of any concept depends on our own moral and spiritual advancement.
Christ Jesus said (Matt. 10:29–31): "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. . . . Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." The Father's appreciation of His own is our test. How does God evaluate a concept? As we turn to the Father for the answer, we shall be aware of His evaluation and so recognize the presence of right ideas, which have real worth.
As we hold to this spiritual sense of value, we shall not be influenced by the materialistic viewpoints so prevalent in the world today. The carnal mind is impelling much of economic and political thought and action with mortal self-interest; and predatory instincts are motivating those concerned. But we know through Science that these negative pressures will eventually destroy themselves. They cannot indefinitely stifle high standards of accomplishment or conscientious initiative. In every situation spiritual ideas outweigh false beliefs.
Generosity, intelligence, integrity, are some of the indispensable ingredients of successful endeavor. These spiritual elements are the application of God's nature to our present experience. The right incentive of a good business is a desire to supply our brother's need. In proportion as this right idea prevails, a business will be sound and prosperous. Failure must inevitably come to enterprises that rely on exploiting human weaknesses, mere material wealth, or human will. Those who partake of ill-gotten gains will find that the values dealt to them will be of the same caliber as those they deal to others. The Master said (Matt. 7:2), "With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
One who was becoming interested in Christian Science proved that high standards ultimately result in success. He established a business with the Golden Rule as his real riches but with very little monetary capital. In the beginning there was a difficult period when he seemed to be swimming upstream against a current of indifference, disapproval, opposition, and skepticism. But when success finally came, it was on a solid basis with such assets as the highest credit rating, abundant goodwill, and unqualified respect. During the time when finances were exceptionally low he, with his family, was led to those whose values were similar to his, and the family were able to live comfortably.
Mortal mind, the suppositional sense of the reality of evil and matter, cannot perpetuate value in that which has none of the divine qualities. Those who believe that business is the art of taking advantage will someday find that there is no value in mortal personality, no power in human will, and no opportunity in selfishness. The efforts to force reward where it is not earned or payment where value is not received cannot create value where it never was. No human being can create value. God alone does this. Consequently, even dependable human assets are increased by right ideas and not by fraudulent schemes. When we leave God out, we leave value out.
There are numerous complicated economic theories about money, which represents the standard of value in the human realm, and those who believe in these theories find them acting as law in their experience. But those who are learning through Christian Science the power of spiritual ideas can see that changing beliefs change human values.
When we belittle the value of the individual by reducing transactions and work to a mechanical level of material motion and mortal will, the logical conclusion is that a machine can take the place of men. But the machine has no value in itself; it is merely an extension of human thought. Mechanical devices can bring social progress to the race only insofar as they are used for moral purposes. If the purpose is to raise the standard of living, it will be truly profitable. If the purpose is to lower the value of the individual, it will bring no lasting benefit. As human thought is redeemed through the Christ to higher aims, machines will subserve the purpose of freeing men for higher usefulness.
Christian Science teaches the unlimited nature of reality. In trying to put this concept into practice before really understanding it, a beginner in Christian Science may become confused about values. Learning that substance is infinite and spiritual, he may think that this fact justifies unlimited spending, regardless of his ability to pay. But extravagance and irresponsibility are the result of trying to demonstrate infinite matter instead of realizing infinite Spirit. The understanding of boundless substance and of its resulting abundant supply comes in proportion as we progress spiritually.
Thrift, honesty, and obedience to God's will must first be built into our character before we can discover the infinity of reality. As we live the moral qualities we shall discern that economy and integrity are not restrictive or binding; instead they help to free us from bondage to matter and its limitations. As we progress spiritually, new light will be shed on the following statement of our Leader (Miscellany, p. 232): "The right way wins the right of way, even the way of Truth and Love whereby all our debts are paid, mankind blessed, and God glorified."
Sometimes the suggestion is present that the solution of every problem is a material one. We should not allow this assumption to darken our thought. The permanent solution is for each individual to discover the value of spiritual ideas, which constitute his true being and which unfold for him his place and supply. Faith, self-discipline, unselfed love—all spiritual qualities—must be manifested in his everyday experience. Keeping his thinking in conformity with the spiritual will enable him to see the ever-presence of every right idea—of all that is important.
The appeal of God-given qualities is not merely that they are advantageous but that they are joyously satisfying. As we gratefully recognize our true being, we see that these are what we really want. We delight to do God's will and realize that putting divine ideas into practice is profitable, because the incentive is always love.
How imperatively does wisdom cry to everyone who will listen (Prov. 8:20, 21), "I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures." The husks of materialism will eventually crumple in the grasp of everyone. But those whose assessment of value is spiritually based will find that the completeness of measureless being is everlasting.
