When something pains or threatens us, we may have a certain bravado that claims "I'm not afraid." But are we sometimes impressed in spite of ourselves? Are we dismayed at the error— concerned with its show of power, its pretense to reality? If so, we are accepting an intelligence other than God. Instead, we need to look away and acknowledge God's allness. We need to stop contemplating evil and recognize what God is doing.
In Christian Science we learn to let the evidence of Spirit be more real to us than the testimony of matter, and this shift in emphasis silences the false testimony. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes: "We may well be astonished at sin, sickness, and death. We may well be perplexed at human fear; and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil." Then she abruptly poses this trenchant question: "But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?"Science and Health, p. 563; Why indeed? Why let the lying beliefs of mortal mind overwhelm us or get even momentary attention?
Because of his identification with the Christ, Jesus refused to "stand aghast at nothingness," and he instructed his disciples how to follow his example. Toward the close of his ministry he warned of difficulties that lay ahead—conflict, disaster, persecution. Jesus added, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."Luke 21:28; He also gave this comforting assurance: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."John 14:1;
