The priceless value of each individual
THE history of our planet sadly shows that there has too often been an inadequate regard for the value of individual life. There have been too many times when the selfish interests of a few who had power, or of many who were seeking it, have resulted in the denigration and destruction of other individuals who could be used to further those interests or who stood in the way. Sometimes the loss has been staggering. Writing about the evils of the African slave trade, for example, author Richard Wright estimates that of the more than fourteen million black people who were forcibly brought to the New World between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, perhaps four times that number had perished while crossing the Atlantic. In his book 12 Million Black Voices, Mr. Wright gives an account that seems to sum up the callous disregard for life and individual dignity that was typical of the institution of slavery. He writes, ``...when we were sick, we were thrown alive into the sea and the captain, pilgrim of progress, would studiously enter into the ship's log two words that would balance all earthly accounts: `jettisoned cargo.'''1
Of course there are few today who would even consider the holding of slaves to be morally acceptable, although other forms of economic servitude, political tyranny, and personal selfishness still hold many in bondage. And there are times when people hold themselves in manacles with desperate feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy.
The chains forged by selfishness, prejudice, ignorance, or fear must be broken. The only way for humanity to find permanent freedom is to gain a realization of each individual's spiritual value--a value beyond price, great and good beyond measure. Christian Science teaches that this spiritual worth is established by God. It is maintained through the eternal relationship of God and man--of God as Father-Mother, and man as beloved child. Of God as infinite Mind, and man as perfect idea. Of God as divine Life and Love, and man as spiritual reflection. Christ Jesus pointed to this worth of each individual when he said: ``Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.''2
The man whom God has created--your true identity and individuality--has infinite, eternal value because man's being is essential to God's purpose and selfexpression. Certainly God is supreme. Nothing could exist without His creating and sustaining power. Yet it is also true that each individual manifestation of divine Life is necessary to the integrity of divine creation. Without you, without your true and permanent being, creation would be incomplete, faulty, and ultimately chaotic.
What would God be without man-- without you? What would Father-Mother be without the child? What would Mind be without idea? What would Love be without expression? The textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy,3 speaks directly to this issue when it states: ``God, without the image and likeness of Himself, would be a nonentity, or Mind unexpressed. He would be without a witness or proof of His own nature.''4
There is great healing and redeeming power in a spiritual vision of man's real worth. No opportunity in daily life should pass without some expression of love for another's value as God's child. And with humility we need to cherish this worth in ourselves as well.
As the world wakes up to glimpse more of the priceless value of each individual, a new freedom will begin to take hold in the thought of men and women everywhere. Individual dignity, purpose, rights, and life itself will no longer be seen as merely so much cargo that can be carelessly jettisoned whenever it is expedient. But you don't have to wait for the world. Spiritual freedom, with the power to love and heal, can be felt now--in your heart. And it can be demonstrated.
1See Richard Wright, 12 Million Black Voices (New York: The Viking Press, 1941), pp. 14-15. 2Luke 12:6, 7. 3The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. 4Science and Health, p. 303. This is a condensed version of an editorial that appeared in the March 2 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel. DAILY BIBLE VERSE: Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. Psalms 115:15
