Dispelling Mental Darkness

Light and darkness are often used in the Scriptures to indicate good and evil, right influence or wrong influence. And it is not uncommon for individuals to experience a darkened state of thought and then to feel the release and healing effect of the coming of the truth or the light of spiritual inspiration. The Christ, as the activity or influence of divine Love, is often referred to as the light that dispels darkness and leads mankind into health and well-being. Christ Jesus said, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." ^{John 12:46 ;}

Christian Science explains that all problems are due to some measure of misunderstanding of the facts of being, that through some mistaken sense one has been led into believing in evil, or the absence of God, good. When the light of understanding dawns on human consciousness, one is able to see through the supposed substance of evil. As he cultivates this light, the darkness is dispelled.

This Science explains that God is infinite and ever present, that His creation is perfect and good, that there is no place or circumstance to separate one from the love of God. It explains that evil is unreal because it was never created by God, the one and only creative power. It shows us that we need never be afraid or discouraged, downcast or defeated. This is the truth that Jesus taught and demonstrated and that was discerned by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

Having the light available to us in its scientific form, we can cultivate this understanding, utilize the laws of healing, and free ourselves from the fears that darken human experience. We are responsible for the state of our thought; and if we are in mental darkness, we can take vigorous steps to clarify thought and let in the light. Mrs. Eddy says, "Mental darkness is senseless error, neither intelligence nor power, and its victim is responsible for its supposititious presence." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 355 ;}

When we see that salvation from every ill depends upon understanding the truth, it becomes plain that this knowledge is power; and intelligence is the force of divine Mind that destroys the illusions of sickness and sin. Prayer in Christian Science is the exercise of this intelligence. It enables one to deny the aggressive suggestions of sin and disease, to clear his consciousness of belief in evil, and to relieve his body of suffering.

We can usually tell when the suggestions of evil are darkening our thought, when we are listening to mortal mind, the belief of life and intelligence in matter. It may take the form of sensual thinking; it may be personal animosity, hatred or jealousy, or it may be the beliefs of pain and suffering. The remedy for this clouded thinking comes through spiritualization of thought. We earnestly pray to realize the allness of God, Spirit, to be delivered from all evil suggestion, all false belief, and to realize the nature of man in the likeness of God. We seek to embody the qualities of God, to express His attributes actively, to reflect His love. As we persist in this realization of the oneness of Mind and the omnipotence of good, we free ourselves from the mesmerism of error and feel again the light of spiritual-mindedness.

Upon some occasions darkened thought may result from malicious influence when, from wrong motives, someone may attempt to control others through hypnotic suggestion. Are we helpless in this instance? Indeed not. Mrs. Eddy gives us specific instructions. She says: "If malicious suggestions whisper evil through the mind's tympanum, this were no apology for acting evilly. We are responsible for our thoughts and acts; and instead of aiding other people's devices by obeying them,—and then whining over misfortune,— rise and overthrow both." ^{p. 119;}

Prayer, or treatment, in Christian Science is not the exercise of human will but rather a reflection of the divine will. Human will leads one into darkness and uncertainty, while the divine will is the manifestation of light, the expression of wisdom and Love. The humility that subordinates the human to the divine lets in the light, and one can feel the divine influence harmonizing his experience. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." ^{I John 1:5 ;}

It is no wonder that Jesus cautioned his disciples to watch and pray. Christian Science teaches us today to keep watch over our consciousness, to let nothing abide in our thinking that we would not have manifest on our bodies, to let nothing come into our thought that does not reflect the nature of God. If we are faithful over this task, we gain the protection of divine Principle and abide in the light of harmony.

The parable of the ten virgins puts this subject into vivid relief. Those that were wise kept their lamps lighted with faithful work and inspiration. When the time came for an advanced step in their experience, they were ready. The foolish had been apathetic and lazy, and their lamps had gone out at the crucial hour.

Such a lesson has a timeless quality. The ever-present Christ is constantly knocking at the door of our consciousness. The one who has cultivated the light of understanding will see the way and enter into a larger and higher experience. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, '"Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life." ^{Science and Health, p. 215 .}