The difference between reading and studying with the intention of putting what one is reading into practice can be compared to new spark plugs carried in the trunk of your car and new spark plugs installed in its engine. The plugs will not do the car any good until they are put to work in the engine. So with words merely read or ideas unpursued. Only when, through study and prayer, ideas are actually put to work in daily living do they become one's life.
The mere reading of Christian Science can be frustrating if the light does not carry over into demonstration. As one not only reads and voices ideas but also digests, expresses, and lives them, a great spiritual energy is released. Paul said of a charitable purpose: "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have." II Cor. 8:11; Study can stimulate spiritual inspiration and produce this performance.
Study includes thinking about what is read. The purpose of such thinking is to turn information into knowledge. A dictionary definition of "study" includes "the act or process of applying the mind so as to acquire knowledge or understanding." One studies to understand. Studying and thinking deeply about specific ideas can make basic changes in thought, and therefore in life. To study and ponder a given idea can promote a wide exchange of false beliefs for spiritual facts.
