The ability to demonstrate Christian Science and heal spiritually requires far more of us than just an intellectual understanding of the letter of Science. If we are not increasingly able to heal or be healed quickly, perhaps we need to question whether we are developing as Christians.
Embracing in our nature such Christian qualities as unselfishness, virtue, purity, joy, and affection is the preamble to our readiness to grasp and express the fullness of man in Christ, the man of God's creating. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, says: "I had learned that thought must be spiritualized, in order to apprehend Spirit. It must become honest, unselfish, and pure, in order to have the least understanding of God in divine Science." Retrospection and Introspection, p. 28.
Unless thought is becoming both Christian and scientific, we are neither good practitioners nor good Christian Scientists. The Christian nature is the "good ground" where the seed of Science grows and brings forth much fruit. Doesn't each of us need to free thought from material traits of character? For instance, can we recognize and give evidence of divine Principle if we are acting dishonestly? Can we prove more and more of divine Love's provision in our lives without expressing ever-greater compassion and appreciation? Can we illustrate Mind's precision and control if we aren't striving to overcome emotional and unintelligent thinking and acting? Only as we put on the qualities Christ Jesus exemplified can we gain the spiritual and moral freedom to increasingly reflect God's nature.
