I had been practicing Christian Science for several years when a friend asked me about taking Primary class instruction in Christian Science. I had given it some thought, but argued that it just wasn't time for such a huge undertaking. I was involved in a difficult new job and just didn't see how I could take the time off to do so. Besides that, I hadn't chosen a Christian Science teacher.
My friend's comment was direct. He told me that it is only the carnal mind that would keep us from making progress, not jobs or conditions. He thought it was important to expect constant spiritual growth, which would, he felt, include taking class instruction.
Although I was dissatisfied with my friend's words, I went home and pondered for several days what he had said. As I prayed and studied I finally realized that he was absolutely right. My friend was not making a personal judgment about me; he simply was identifying the mental obstacle that was resisting my spiritual progress. I knew that the carnal mind, or mortal mind, is a term for the belief that we have separate minds from God, good, the source of all intelligence and wisdom. This erroneous belief is opposed to the impartation of good from God, divine Mind. Although mortal mind has no power, we need to be alert to its suggestion that we're not ready to grow. We need to understand our lives as fully governed by the one omniscient Mind.
