Within the framework of society there arise the questions of what our relationships with others should be, what our responsibilities are, and how we can best fulfill them. There are basic metaphysical points to remember concerning individuality, our own and others', and also there is the Christian necessity of loving our neighbor. One works out his own salvation, and this necessarily includes a right attitude of helpfulness toward his fellowmen. Mrs. Eddy has given us accurate guidelines when she speaks of our great example, Christ Jesus. She says: "His mission was both individual and collective. He did life's work aright not only in justice to himself, but in mercy to mortals,—to show them how to do theirs, but not to do it for them nor to relieve them of a single responsibility."Science and Health, p. 18;
In varying degrees we have seen the coldness of the laissez-faire policy, or the attitude that says everyone should be for himself; and, on the other hand, we have seen the policy of smothering indulgence that does not allow individuals the development they need to work out their own salvation. Certainly there is an intelligent approach that maintains a Christian unselfishness, that aids in many temporary ways to help others see the way but does not create a dependence that is just the opposite of the true idea of salvation. In the long run each one must see that the Christ constitutes his true selfhood as a complete idea of God. Each one must come to the full awakening that realizes the kingdom of heaven within. We should keep this end clearly in view if we would be of greatest help to mankind.
As the example and Way-shower, Christ Jesus should be our continuing model of how best to help our neighbor. His attitude should be ours in the many complex ways in which modern society is interrelated. In family relations between parent and child, in race relations, in welfare work, in international relief, in helping emerging nations take their place, we can see the usefulness of Mrs. Eddy's explanation of the individual and collective nature of Jesus' mission. He showed men how to work out their problems. Jesus did not indulge men's shortcomings; he did not pamper anyone. He came to awaken them to the truth of being, to enable them to stand on their own feet, do their own work, and realize their potentialities. He was tender and merciful, patient and persevering; but he was definite in his requirement for all to recognize the Christ, the true idea of God.
