I’m getting to the point where I’m beginning to make my own decisions about how I want to live my life. Most teens my age who know about Christian Science are deciding whether or not they want to be Christian Scientists. I’ve decided that Christian Science is for me. Here are a couple of reasons why.

During this last year, I’ve really begun to see how practical Christian Science is. I rely on it every day—whether I’m in the classroom, or needing to pray about a physical challenge, my relationships, or on the sports field.

I’ve decided that Christian Science is for me.

I’ve found that praying as I’ve learned to in the Christian Science Sunday School is especially helpful in sports. For example, before every baseball game, I take some time to listen to God. I like to think about Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Also, I mentally establish that I’m playing for the glory of God, so the most important thing is the spiritual qualities I express while I am competing. This helps me approach the game, my teammates, and the other players with more love. And it also reminds me that my true ability comes from God.

I’ve also had proof that Christian Science heals physical challenges. A few months ago, one of my eyes seemed to be irritated and sensitive to sunlight. I had my first high school baseball game in a couple of days, so I was really nervous about the situation. As I prayed, the first thing that came to mind was a passage written by Mary Baker Eddy: “No evidence before the material senses can close my eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 277). I realized that nothing could come between me and my relation to God or make me blind to the fact that God is always good and caring for me, His perfect spiritual child. 

I also looked up the definition of eyes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The definition is: “Spiritual discernment,—not material but mental” (Mary Baker Eddy, p. 586). From that definition, I knew that the whole situation was mental. I didn’t need to fix something with my eye, but instead, I needed to change my thought. I tried to “spiritually discern” what was true about me—that I was not a mortal with a hurt eye, but rather, a clear, pure, spiritual reflection of God. My eye was healed, and I was back on the field in no time. This healing is one of many proofs in my life of the efficacy of Christian Science.

Through my study of Christian Science, I’ve developed a feeling of closeness to God. I’ve learned to trust Him with everything in my life. Whenever I’m having trouble making a decision or in need of help on something, I always listen to what God is telling me by getting my thoughts very still so I can hear Him. This passage from Proverbs is good guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (3:5, 6). When I am listening, I’m able to trust that God’s plan for me is good, and that it’s unfolding perfectly. For example, I’ve listened to God to help me know which high school I should attend.

Knowing more about Mrs. Eddy’s life has inspired me to continue my growth as a Christian Scientist.

Last year, my junior class went on a trip to The Mother Church and all of Mary Baker Eddy’s homes. Before the trip, I didn’t know much about Mrs. Eddy’s life. But over the course of my week in Boston, I gained so much respect for Mrs. Eddy and what she went through to give the world this revelation of Truth. Before she discovered Christian Science she had poor health, and her son was taken away from her because of it; later, she faced severe persecution because of her religious beliefs—to name just a few of her many challenges. Women back in her day had few rights and certainly weren’t expected to start their own religion or newspaper! Yet she persevered. Knowing more about Mrs. Eddy’s life has inspired me to continue my growth as a Christian Scientist—to be more spiritually minded.

These are just some of the reasons why I’m a Christian Scientist. I know I have a lot to learn, but I also know I’m on the right path to being able to deepen my understanding of Christian Science so I can even help others. I can’t wait for all the healings and blessings it will bring to my life.