Christian Science endorses true humility as a rung in the ladder to a higher understanding of God. The more we learn of the true nature of God, the All-in-all, the greater is our respect for His highest idea, man.
In the light of the reality of our being as reflections of infinite good, God, can we find anything to excuse, improve, or delete? We are reminded in Ecclesiastes, "Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it."Eccl. 3:14; Mindful of this, we need not be apologetic or flustered when complimented. We can instead be gracious, while recognizing Mind as our only source. We can know, as did Christ Jesus, that it is not we who should be praised but rather the Father, who is directing our every activity, whether it be a meeting, a business transaction, or the preparation of a meal.
Self-effacement is a subtlety of mortal mind—the belief of life in matter and of limitation. Self-effacement is pride speaking with intent to conceal itself. It hints at insecurity and a desire for reassurance. True humility, however, is a veritable psalm of praise, proclaiming God alone as creator, preserver, and motivator of all that really is, and man as His complete, spiritual representation or likeness. Mrs. Eddy states in Miscellaneous Writings, "Experience shows that humility is the first step in Christian Science, wherein all is controlled, not by man or laws material, but by wisdom, Truth, and Love."Mis., p. 354;
