I have always been inspired and my enthusiasm renewed when I recall what the Bible says (Job 32:8): "There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." All of us in our own way are seeking understanding. The Bible says repeatedly to get understanding, and Mary Baker Eddy points out in Science and Health the importance of the difference between belief, faith, and understanding.
A number of years ago, when I was suffering from a heart ailment, I called on a Christian Science practitioner for treatment. The practitioner pointed out that my heart did not beat to give me life. Instead, my understanding of Life must result in normal functioning. Then the practitioner asked me if I understood that. I responded that I thought I did. I certainly liked what I heard and I believed it, but as I thought more deeply I really didn't understand it to the point that I knew it was a fact. A number of days passed, and although I was mentally uplifted, the physical condition of my heart action had not changed, nor was I sure I understood the full implication of the statement.
The practitioner made it clear that we were only changing limited beliefs about my true health. Health is a perfect idea, which I perfectly individualize by reflection. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says (p. 253), "Knowing the falsity of so-called material sense, you can assert your prerogative to overcome the belief in sin, disease, or death." I was assured that I was under God's law of unchanging perfection.
