Ripening, not aging

We’re not “just getting older” as we reach what are called senior years – we’re ripening!

One definition of “ripen” is “to bring to completion or perfection” (merriam-webster.com). Senior years are typically associated with the decline of mental faculties and physical well-being. But Mary Baker Eddy, author of the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” offers a different model. She writes, “Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom” (p. 248).

The need is to learn from our life experiences how “larger lessons” – such as maturing in our spiritual understanding and living more and more unselfishly, including praying for others – can help us in this ripening process. This is being proven today by many students of Christian Science. Their consistent reliance upon its teachings is enabling them to meet and resolve health, supply, employment, relationship, and other challenges through prayer.

As year succeeds to year, we need not fear or accept the onset of either mental or physical difficulties. Rather, we can address them prayerfully by practicing the teachings of this Science, including knowing that man is not mortal and material but is the spiritual reflection of God, divine Mind – that Life is God and is therefore immortal and eternal, as Christ Jesus taught and proved. As we follow these teachings, we ripen in our ability to master and heal any challenges.

Mrs. Eddy includes a pithy article in her book “Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896” titled, “Improve Your Time.” Its opening sentence reads, “Success in life depends upon persistent effort, upon the improvement of moments more than upon any other one thing” (p. 230).

As we learn to monitor the trend of our thinking each day, we will begin to catch the negative suggestions of the deceptive physical senses, or what St. Paul called “the carnal mind” (Romans 8:7). These need to be denounced and replaced with spiritual truths that will counter and correct them. A host of these truths can be found in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings.

Referring to God’s promise “In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee” (Isaiah 49:8), the Apostle Paul reassures his fellow workers, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).

Now is the time to further our spiritual ripening, to heal whatever physical, mental, or moral issues may be challenging us.

Since “now is the day of salvation,” we can begin that ripening, healing process today!

Originally published in the June 19, 2023, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.