We use passwords to protect our computers, cellphones, and online accounts. We do this because, of course, we don’t want anything or anyone to access and corrupt our important personal information. But, can we take the same care with what we let into our thinking?
Christ Jesus stated that the kingdom of God is within us—within consciousness (see Luke 17:21). And in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy explains in a spiritual interpretation of Psalm 23 that consciousness is the “house” we dwell in: “… I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever” (p. 578). Knowing that we truly live in the kingdom of God—the consciousness of Love—uplifts our motives and desires and inspires more loving actions.
How important, then, to defend the mental “house” we dwell in! In the same way that we would never knowingly consent to a virus corrupting our computer, we should guard against letting fear, resentment, anger, dishonesty, or sensuality—either subtly or aggressively—hack our thoughts, taking away our peace, innocence, or joy.
