The transforming power of spiritual understanding
MANY people may be wondering whether there is a God and, if so, how to get close to Him. Spiritual healing not only helps answer our deepest questions; it can transform our thinking and character in a radical way. And it is this transforming power that makes spiritual healing through Christian Science so precious. Even those who have practiced this Science for many years will testify to the renewal that spiritual healing brings into their lives. This has much to do with the demands inherent in such healing. Consistent healing through spiritual means demands that we depart from conventional, material views of existence. In the Bible Paul admonishes us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds in order to ``prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.''1 And he tells us that when we behold the glory of God we ``are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.''2 We can probably all agree that health and a grace-filled character are definitely part of that ``good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.'' And this is what we prove through the renewal of thought, through understanding more of God's divine and perfect nature and of man as His spiritual image and likeness. As Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says, ``The Bible teaches transformation of the body by the renewal of Spirit.''3
The demand of spiritual healing is to prayerfully perceive more of the divine glory of God and man, to see that the sickness and suffering that seem to be a part of man are fraudulent because they're not the product of God. To recognize God as infinite Spirit and man as His perfect spiritual offspring is to comprehend more of life as it truly is, and this understanding brings to light the redeeming and healing power of His Christ within human consciousness. Our purposes and desires are elevated; character is purified; health is restored.
Although Christian Science calls for mental changes, this is by no means a mere intellectual exercise. Rather it is a deep, heartfelt awakening to the spiritual nature of life in God. Such change is for-warded by a love for good, by humility and receptivity to God, by a sincere caring for humanity. Then Christ, the divine healing and saving influence, floods our thought, and we come to enjoy knowing God, divine Mind, as our only Mind and His will as our own.
Spiritualization of thought awakens us from the trials of pain and suffering. We begin to comprehend that evil is, in a way, like a terrifying nightmare that appears real, but through Christ, Truth, we can challenge and overcome the suppositional absence of God, infinite good. We also realize that spiritual man -- the man God knows and our only true selfhood -- is safe at every moment within the all-encompassing presence of divine Life and Love.
Gratitude and joy also come with our spiritual awakening. We can't help rejoicing in the realization that man is much more than a mortal sinner subject to the calamities of a cruel, chance-filled human existence. The spiritual beauty and dominion of God's man are more and more felt and proved to be our own.
Many can affirm that giving oneself over to Christ, Truth, results in character regeneration and physical healings. Still, the greatest reward is understanding more of the glory of Spirit, God, and His spiritual idea, man.
1Romans 12:2. 2II Corinthians 3:18. 3Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 241.
You can find more articles like this one in the Christian Science Sentinel, a weekly magazine. DAILY BIBLE VERSE: If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17
