Christian Science Perspective audio edition

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Original content on Christian Science written for this column by one of our readers.

Right at the beginning of Mary Baker Eddy’s companion book to the Bible, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” she presents to readers this encouraging observation: “The time for thinkers has come” (p. vii).

In light of how so many people, governments, religions, and organizations may dictate to mankind what specifically to think, that statement sure is a breath of fresh air. It’s not that all of what we’re told is wrong or that thinking for oneself means to disregard a country’s laws and rules. It’s about stepping back and recognizing how regimented our thoughts may become under a persistent stream of dictates, along with the cultural pressure to conform to the mass of mankind’s thoughts as a whole.

Christ Jesus lived under a multiplicity of authorities, and he often challenged his followers to think independently. He asked things like, “How think ye?” (Matthew 18:12). And the Apostle Paul counseled that we “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

It is heartening to note that the perfect will of God includes comprehensive goodness for everyone, without exception. Unlike human will, which can be self-serving, dominating, unjustly conditional, or confusingly unfair, God’s will is wise, loving, free, impartial, and infinitely insightful. Truly, to “be not conformed to this world” is to think and reason from what God so wisely presents to us in prayer. This is the pinnacle of liberty.

What might be a good step toward praying and thinking independently? “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth,” says the Bible (Psalms 46:10). It’s first to become more still and peaceful inside, and then to listen for God’s tender yet authoritative voice. The voice of God is the Christ and it’s what Jesus constantly turned to in order to help so many people.

Here is a practical example of thinking from this perspective: The world would tell us that stress, along with the exhaustion associated with it, is, for everyone, normal and expected. But we can challenge that assumption. When I once had a monumental series of projects to complete, I prayed and realized that I had a choice. I could march mentally along with the world’s expectations about inevitable fatigue or I could listen for the voice of God, the Christ, for inspiration about who I am and about the nature of my responsibilities.

I felt such quiet confidence well up in me as I heard God’s guidance that I didn’t need to toil frantically but instead could allow myself to enjoy being His self-expression. This meant that I could humbly allow God’s strength, intelligence, and persistence to fuel my work. The result was that all of the projects were completed smoothly and early, leaving me feeling renewed and ready to take on more.

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It is a joy to explore what it means to think and pray by turning to God and responding thoughtfully to His guidance instead of conforming to the jumbled static of a mass mentality. Yes, truly, the time for thinkers has come!

Going forward, these weekday articles offering a Christian Science perspective on our lives and the world are being published without a byline and read for audio by volunteers. Each Saturday this column will feature a poem with the byline and recorded for audio by the author. In both cases, the goal is the same, to bring a touch of God’s healing light into the lives of our readers through the shared thoughts and healing demonstrations of fellow readers. If you want to know more about contributing, please email JSHWrite@csps.com.

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