Few would deny that Jesus expected his followers to do more than simply talk about his liberating message of God's healing love. Rather, they must demonstrate Christianity so that it will survive the ages. And Jesus' means of perpetuating his teaching appears to have been, at least in part, his frequent use of commands-when speaking both to his close disciples and to the crowds. Mary Baker Eddy, who founded this magazine, expressed in Science and Health the magnitude of heeding Jesus' gospel imperatives: "To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done" (p. 4)
This month's issue kicks off our Bible Forum series, which will venture to show how modern-day followers of Jesus have successfully put into practice his commands in their own lives. Countless individuals have found these imperatives for Christian growth and outward-radiating goodwill to be anything but outdated, and have proved that, indeed, Jesus' commands remain vital.
YOU CAN EASILY SKIM RIGHT OVER THIS IMPERATIVE and casually read on. But a recognition of the man who uttered the command, and of the unconditional love that permeated everything he thought and spoke and did, quickly gives weight to his words.
