Christian Scientists joyously recognize that Christ Jesus had unqualified success in healing sin and disease, and even in overcoming death for others and for himself. They long to attain the same altitude of spiritual understanding and ability; and they keep this high standard ever before them. While gratefully acknowledging their present attainment in the healing of discordant human conditions, yet they appreciate the need of further spiritual growth in order to realize the same certainty of quick healing possessed by Jesus. But in the pertinent words of Mary Baker Eddy(Miscellaneous Writings, p. 215), "They cannot in the beginning take the attitude, nor adopt the words, that Jesus used at the end of his demonstration."
What is the fundamental requirement necessary to achieve this spiritual dominion, even the very keystone of progress Spiritward? It is consecration—consecration of thought, desire, and expression. The word "consecrate" means to dedicate or devote thought and act, unreservedly, toward expressing the qualities which originate in and emanate from God, infinite Mind. It is equivalent to conforming thought to the divine pattern, to reflecting divine Mind in the daily living. No purer aim than this can be adopted; no higher purpose can be achieved; no nobler occupation can be followed. Man, the real, spiritual man, completely expresses God; and man coexists with God eternally. Thus it should be considered natural for mankind to be consecrated wholly to God's service.
The first essential to progress, then, is consecrated thought; and thought devoted to a spiritual purpose is unfailingly blessed by divine Love. God's thoughts establish themselves in the receptive consciousness, and so doing they nullify the effect or influence of evil beliefs. Obviously, one cannot entertain both good and evil thoughts simultaneously; but when spiritual thoughts predominate, the tone of one's whole life improves mentally, morally, and physically. How important, then, for spiritual thinking to become habitual! Instead, therefore, of allowing thought to be led astray by vain imagining, vague conjecture, and purposeless material dreaming, how much better it is to be increasingly mindful of divine ideas! This is not the work of a moment; spiritualization of the humble and receptive thought must go on progressively. Turning unreservedly to Mind, and praying for the realization of spiritual ideals, is the certain way of realizing these ideals.
