WHEN Truth is entertained and permitted to occupy the field of human consciousness, a change takes place in the whole composition of thought. Christ Jesus likened it to the effect of leaven, which, when placed in the kneading trough, changes the composition of meal, making the dough light and palatable.
The student of Christian Science early learns that a change of outlook is taking place in his thinking as he earnestly applies himself to the study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook. Mary Baker Eddy writes, "The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 162). As the Christian Scientist advances in study and practice, his aims and pursuits become less materially acquisitive. Getting gives precedence to giving. Self becomes subservient to service. The desire to help humanity grows stronger, and the voice of personal ambition is hushed. In "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says (p. 204), "Through the accession of spirituality, God, the divine Principle of Christian Science, literally governs the aims, ambition, and acts of the Scientist."
There may be times when the inward change of thought produced by the action of Christian Science does not immediately seem evident. However, when once a student has honestly and earnestly begun his journey Spiritward, nothing but wrongdoing can hinder his progress or prevent him from reaping the fruits of the spiritual redemption that is taking place. It is not wise to judge a situation by outward appearances. More important than the outward appearance is the inward conviction and understanding of what God is doing through the leavening influence of Christian Science— the leaven "which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened" (Matt. 13:33). If the omniaction of Truth is understood, its outward effect in healing will be manifest.
