Since the ultimate goal of the earnest student of Christian Science is the bringing of every thought into obedience to the Christ, every day, indeed each hour, should be devoted to the achievement of that purpose. The possibility of attaining this goal is clearly set forth on page 199 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, where she says, "The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible." The fact that the carnal mind never wearies of attempting to reverse or obstruct this devoted effort of Christian Scientists to attain such a goal cannot deter or discourage any student when the entirely fictitious nature of the carnal mind's suggestions or arguments is conceded and their persistence and audacity vigilantly rejected. Genuine love of Christian Science will prevent the sincere student from being influenced by material or personal attractions or possessions, or led away from the straight and narrow path of spiritual desires, affections, and attainments.
One who really loves Christian Science will love every activity that helps to perpetuate the Christian Science movement and will be faithful in endeavoring to support these activities spiritually, financially, and in every other helpful way. He will see that moments are too precious to be wasted in the indulgence of empty or trivial pastimes. Above all, his individual contacts and activities—business, home, and church—will be permeated with his love for God and man, and he will endeavor to let this spirit of the Christ rule within. Useful and loving service to God and man according to the standard of Christian Science will be enhanced and accelerated as thought is spiritually regulated.
A dictionary defines "regulate" as follows: "To dispose, order or govern by rule or system. To put or keep in good order; adjust according to a standard." A poet has written, "Order is heaven's first law." The law and order revealed in Christian Science must be used to regulate thought spiritually and scientifically; and students very soon find that learning and practicing Christian Science require systematic correction of one's thinking about God and man and man's relationship to Him. The standard of Christian Science is scientifically spiritual. It is a standard of thought so positive, definite, and understandable that it will stand the test of actual proof. If Christian Science had not stood this test, the movement would not be prospering today. Therefore, regulating thought according to this standard demands joyous, active vigilance, exercised under the direction and control of God, divine Mind or intelligence. The Mind of Christ must be daily cultivated and more firmly established in individual consciousness in order to reach the goal of spiritual attainment and success. As Paul writes, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." God-given and God-governed thought is a mighty power in pulling down the strongholds of false thinking and vain imaginations that have accumulated through years of indulgene and false material education.
