A willingness to be childlike and change

The need for an openness to change is a constant in the practice of Christian Science. Talking of “the new birth,” Mary Baker Eddy’s Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896 states, “It begins with moments, and goes on with years; moments of surrender to God, of childlike trust and joyful adoption of good; moments of self-abnegation, self-consecration, heaven-born hope, and spiritual love” (p. 15).

That “childlike trust” accepts God as governing and knows that whatever change comes, God remains in control. As a verse from Hymn 148 in the Christian Science Hymnal says: “In heavenly Love abiding, / No change my heart shall fear” (Anna L. Waring). It doesn’t say there will be no change in our lives, but rather that we don’t need to fear change when our thoughts are anchored in God. 

We can even embrace and eagerly seek change in a childlike manner. Change can bring hope, joy, energy, and stimulation to thought. It forces us to get out of the rut of a personal sense of things and of old ways of doing and thinking.