IN his epistle to the Philippians, Paul wrote (2:5), "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." One meaning of the word "let" is to allow something to take place without interference. We must reject the erroneous suggestions of the carnal mind, so called, and permit only the ideas of divine Mind, God, to abide in consciousness.
Throughout her writings, Mary Baker Eddy makes frequent use of the word "let." She emphasizes the need to allow the power of divine Love to operate in our consciousness. Such activity frees us from the fears and doubts with which mortal mind would try to beset us; and it does this because of our knowledge of God as the only Mind and because of our trust in Him.
Many of the references to "let" in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, point to instructions for us to realize that all the intelligence of divine Mind, all the protective, healing power of infinite Love, is ever available. We have only to accept our Leader's spiritual admonitions, freely and lovingly offered, and obey them in our daily living. One such reference is found on page 144 of the textbook. Here Mrs. Eddy says, "If Mind is foremost and superior, let us rely upon Mind, which needs no cooperation from lower powers, even if these so-called powers are real." When we are confronted with a problem, the human tendency is often to rely too much on the advice of others or to allow self-interest or past experience to influence judgment. In Christian Science we learn that the source of all true intelligence is divine Mind, which knows only good and from which only good can proceed.
God's way is purely spiritual, and we receive His messages to us through holy inspiration, through spiritual intuition, which guide us into action free from selfish, material considerations. As these angel thoughts enter human consciousness, they should be accepted and acted upon without question. As God's perfect plan unfolds to us, we are shown how to take each step forward safely with the positive assurance that divine Love is leading the way.
Mrs. Eddy writes (ibid., p. 407): "Let the perfect model be present in your thoughts instead of its demoralized opposite. This spiritualization of thought lets in the light, and brings the divine Mind, Life not death, into your consciousness." We must cast aside the erroneous concept of man as sick and sinful and see him as the perfect image and likeness of God.
The distinction between the perfect man, the son of God, and the false material concept of man should always be held in thought. In the home, parents who let the perfect model govern thought learn to see their children as actually flawless ideas of divine Mind. They recognize the spiritual origin of children instead of seeing them as earthly possessions to be constantly shielded in material ways and often smothered by selfish human affection.
The knowledge that spiritual ideas reflect only good frees parents from the fear that the so-called forces of evil can tempt their children into wrongdoing. Knowing that God's offspring possess the intelligence of divine Mind, parents can teach their children, even at an early age, to depend upon the one divine Mind for direction and protection at all times.
Thus children learn to work out problems through their own study of Christian Science and through their daily effort to live its teachings rather than through reliance upon the prayerful metaphysical work of others. This procedure results in releasing the parents from a false sense of responsibility and also in educating the children to let the perfect model be always present in their thinking.
In the same way the businessman who holds only perfect models in thought looks upon his business as an opportunity to be of service to others rather than as a means of amassing riches or of satisfying worldly ambition. Since his true capital is a wealth of spiritual ideas, having the one infinite Mind as its source, the businessman learns that he is subject to no lack or limitation. Every good commodity he handles points to a spiritual idea and thus contributes in some measure to the happiness and well-being of mankind. Honesty and fair dealing are not just a matter of good moral policy but are basic in every transaction because founded upon divine Principle.
The following experience is one example of how trust in the truth of man worked out harmoniously in practice. A student of Christian Science started a mail-order business. His merchandise being seasonal, it was important that shipments be made promptly. Payments were made in advance, largely by personal checks from individuals with whom he had never previously dealt. At first a sense of fear suggested that shipments should be delayed in some cases until the checks had cleared.
He soon recognized that the model he was carrying in thought was far from the perfect one, if he looked upon his fellow men as other than God's representatives. He saw that the image and likeness of the one divine creator reflects every spiritual quality of infinite Life, Truth, and Love. He then realized that since no loss can ever occur from trusting God, this must also be true of trusting man, His image and likeness— the only man. The Scientist proceeded to fill every order immediately upon its receipt. Hundreds of such orders were sent out without a single loss. Many repeat orders were also received because of the customers' satisfaction with what they had received in the earlier shipments.
By our letting divine Mind govern every thought and action, only right results can follow; and they bless each one concerned. In her Prose Works other than Science and Health we find that Mrs. Eddy makes frequent use of the word "let," as reference to the Concordance to Prose Works shows. On page 208 of "Miscellaneous Writings" she states: "Mortals have only to submit to the law of God, come into sympathy with it, and to let His will be done. This unbroken motion of the law of divine Love gives, to the weary and heavy-laden, rest."
Freedom from the bondage of sorrow, sickness, and sin follows obedience to the law of Love, when such obedience is based upon a desire to comply with Love's requirements rather than on the fear of the consequences of disobedience. God's law is permissive of good only and never deprives one of any good thing.
As we realize our oneness with our loving Father-Mother God as His reflection, listen for the still small voice of the Christ, Truth, and then submit to it willingly and joyously, we shall always be ready to follow and obey Paul's admonition, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."
