Article July 9, 1984 Issue

Our "impervious armor"— God's good thoughts

EARL E. HARRIS

With the news media constantly reporting the ill effects of smoking, drug abuse, liquor, accidents, and crime, it is evident that more than health insurance, medicine, or any other human means is needed to give us assurance and peace.

The Bible tells us that patriarchs and prophets relied upon God for their defense against ills and adversities. Later, Christ Jesus showed the superiority of spiritual power over any material means of defense. His unshakable faith and trust in the Father's love, wisdom, presence, and power were his constant protection. His thought was not tainted with fear, for he knew that God was always caring for him.

This same faithful trust is something each of us can strive for. In this endeavor we must work and pray to let that Mind be in us "which was also in Christ Jesus,"^{Phil. 2:5.} as Paul admonished. Spiritualization of thought is essential. Christian Science declares that the only sure defense against mortal woes and vicissitudes is in spiritual fortification of thought. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science, directs, "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts."^{Science and Health, p. 261.}