One of the fundamental points of Christian Science is that thought determines experience. Through prayerful study and demonstration, we find that if material beliefs are entertained, discord results; but if thought is based on the understanding of God as intelligence, Mind—the only consciousness—and of man as the spiritual reflection of Mind, harmony is experienced. Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy states on page 270: "Mortals think wickedly; consequently they are wicked. They think sickly thoughts, and so become sick. If sin makes sinners, Truth and Love alone can unmake them." These statements reveal to us the necessity of turning away from the illusion of many minds to God, omnipotent Love, not only for healing but for guidance and direction.
Even an alert student of Christian Science is sometimes tempted to believe in a personal mind, a mind apart from God, which is subject to change and is responsible for accomplishing a purpose or doing something of itself. This false belief may result in confusion and mistakes or in a sense of material triumph. Then the student must turn with humility to divine Mind for unerring direction and right activity.
The Way-shower, Christ Jesus, refused the suggestion of intelligence in matter when he said, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30). This willingness on Jesus' part to do only God's will, not his own, that is, to recognize that God is Mind, enabled him to heal the sick, reform the sinner, and raise the dead. And it is the same self-forgetfulness, meekness, and understanding of God that bring about such demonstrations of His power today.
