In Christian Science the metaphysical process of gaining spiritual receptivity can be described as the mortal mind yielding to the divine. It is the surrendering of the human self to the spiritual. Indeed, it is the exchanging of false concepts for right ideas. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, significantly writes, "Spirit imparts the understanding which uplifts consciousness and leads into all truth" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 505). The willingness to let Mind, or Spirit, impart this understanding in its own divine way is real receptivity. Then receptivity must mean openness to Mind's unfoldment.
Infinite Truth, ever active and ever progressive, is constantly expressing itself through the harmonious unfoldment of its own positive divine ideas. Each of these ideas is eternally substantive, unvaryingly perfect, and scientifically complete. So satisfying and powerful is the nature of Truth's expression of itself that men's receptiveness to these facts or ideas can bring inspiration spontaneously, and even healings instantaneously. Thus the conscious awareness of divine Love's allness, if completely adhered to, would eliminate all imperfection, dissension, and strife. It would enable mankind to demonstrate the freedom of scientific living which Christian Science reveals—the bliss of pure joy, the simplicity of poised dominion, and the radiance of real being.
Seeking to escape from human limitations and propensities and yearning to enlarge one's concept of God, divine Mind, spontaneously open the human consciousness to a receptive state of thinking, not unlike childlike humility. In Science and Health, under the caption "Childlike receptivity," these words are found (pp. 323, 324): "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony."
