"Think on these things"

CLARA J. AUCHMOODY

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ... honest, ... just, ... pure, ... lovely, ... of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." And on page 497 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy has set forth "the important points, or religious tenets of Christian Science," the sixth of which reads, "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure."

These requirements are for all. What does it mean to be obedient to them? It means putting off the old and putting on the new. It means the beginning of the new birth. And on page 15 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says: "The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins with moments, and goes on with years." It means that we are watching and praying for that Mind to be in us "which was also in Christ Jesus."

We are spiritualizing our thinking by knowing that God is the only Mind. We are lifting our thoughts above materiality, above thoughts of disease, lack, limitation, confusion; and when we approach this height of spiritual understanding, and our consciousness is filled with these true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good thoughts, then we are in a degree reflecting that Mind, and consequently are able to heal ourselves and others. This true consciousness, gained and retained, is manifested in the harmony wherein there is no sin, sickness, or death.

When we are thinking true thoughts, we are reflecting God, divine Mind. In such a consciousness, can there be any sense of lack? In such a consciousness there is no room for error, for it is impossible to think true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good thoughts and at the same time entertain erroneous, material beliefs.

A dictionary explains that "one who is honest in the highest and fullest sense is scrupulously careful to adhere to all known truth and right even in thought." This statement can be applied to other qualities, as well as to honesty, for the only error there is, or ever was, or can be, is in wrong thinking; and if we keep evil out of our consciousness, it will cease to influence us.

True thoughts come from God, the one Mind, and in the proportion that we "think on these things" we receive an income which is unceasing, unlimited, abundant, and eternal. This spiritual income cannot be taken from us; it cannot be reduced. No circumstance or condition can rob us of it, and the more we use it the more we have, for it increases with use. It supplies every need, and because of it there is no lack or limitation. The more we draw from the one source, God, the more continually we learn to draw. This source never fails.

Spiritual thinking is our only real business; and this business can never be depressed or fail, because it is from God. It is always good, and keeps us active. When we are occupied with this business, there is no time for gossip, criticism, or idle talk.

True thinking is manifested in health. Because there are no sick thoughts in Mind, sick thoughts are untrue. Therefore, as we entertain true thoughts, we overcome and heal disease. Such thinking also heals sin, because it is impossible to think pure thoughts and entertain sinful beliefs at the same time. As spiritual thoughts are manifested in our daily life, we find ourselves doing unto others as we would have them do unto us, and being "merciful, just, and pure."

If we are fulfilling these requirements, we shall be careful what reading matter we select, and what we listen to, for we shall want only those things which are "of good report." Thus we shall find ourselves having a greater appreciation of the Bible, the works of Mrs. Eddy, and the authorized Christian Science literature, including The Christian Science Monitor, for we shall have learned that "if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," we need to "think on these things."

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