"Be not conformed to this world," urged Paul in his letter to the Romans (12: 2). "But," he continued, "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Here in this concise statement we are told first, what not to do; second, what to do; and third, the good effects of doing what we should do.
Individuals normally have a free choice as to their conduct and thinking. They can bring their thoughts and actions into agreement either with that which is evil, or with that which is good. An evil act is always preceded by evil thought, by compliance with error and materiality rather than with Spirit, God. An act, for example, is generally not considered criminal by law unless the perpetrator has an intention to commit it.
It is not, however, so widely acknowledged that the experience of sickness and death is directly connected with the mental state of the individual. One who is afflicted with disease has in some respect conformed his mentality to worldly or fearful thinking. Perhaps he has been afraid of disease or death, hateful of his neighbor, or ignorant of Spirit, God. This unhealthy thinking, or this shaping of thoughts in agreement with that which is mortal and material, is the cause of the trouble; and such thinking must be reversed and cast out.
