Much of the world's thinking is heavily centered on the acquisition of material necessities such a food, shelter, natural resources, and money. In view of this, Mary Baker Eddy's statement in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures about our needs may be startling. She writes, "What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds."Science and Health, p. 4.
At first glance this observation by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science may seem as though it were merely expressing an understandable impatience with humanity's preoccupation with material pursuits. Such an appraisal of this statement would, however, fail to appreciate its deeper significance to the teachings and practice of Christian Science. It is an inspired and vital affirmation of our need to cultivate a more Christly state of consciousness, a receptivity to the presence and power of God made manifest in human affairs. This consciousness of God's presence and control enriches our affections, elevating and purifying our lives.
The Master, Christ Jesus, set the supreme example of "patience, meekness, love, and good deeds" in his healing and saving ministry. His life showed that all mankind may awake to God as infinite Spirit, divine Love, the All-in-all, and to man's wholly spiritual nature.
