Have you ever asked yourself, "Could I pass a spiritual examination?" Mary Baker Eddy gives this pertinent advice in regard to self-examination in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 8): "We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are."
It is wise, then, for us to turn the searching rays of Truth, or God, on our thoughts, aims, and motives to discern just what kind of thinking we are doing. Is it material, worldly, superficial, slipshod, or is it spiritually inclined, pure, intelligent, and positive? Is it self-centered, critical, self-righteous, impatient, unloving, or is it unselfish, just, buoyant, humble, and filled with grateful appreciation of God's goodness?
Do we have an honest, deep-seated desire to become better acquainted with God, our true Father and Mother? Is He becoming All-in-all to us? Are we daily striving to see our brother men through the lens of Spirit as God created them? Are we constantly taking a firm stand for Truth, alertly rejecting fears and materialistic attractions by "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Cor. 10:5)?
