There is hardly an area of life today where we don't find observers—watchers of politics, of the economy, of social trends, of the entertainment industry. These people, and others, tell us what they see and what they think through their newspaper columns, newsletters, and talk shows.

It's natural for us to look to such observers for a perspective or depth of knowledge that we might not have ourselves. It's a way of expanding our own view. I had a very interesting conversation recently with a woman who helps legislators in her state by carefully watching and analyzing proposed legislation. I was very appreciative that she gave me a view of a part of her world—the legislative process and experience in her state—that I didn't have.

During our conversation this woman also mentioned a severe physical pain she had suddenly experienced on one occasion. The doctors who examined her at the time said they could find no physiological reason for the trouble. They told her all about the known causes of that particular difficulty, but said that none of them were evident in their examination. She then said to me that she was certain what was to blame. Examining what she had been thinking days and weeks prior to the trouble, she recalled how deeply she had been resenting someone. She was convinced that the cause of the physical difficulty was mental, in this case hatred.

I was listening carefully to her observations, and yet couldn't help doing some observing of my own. As for this trouble, the woman's frame of reference had not been strictly physical (material cause and effect). She was getting a clearer view of the mental nature of human experience and identifying hatred as a harmful influence.

But there was more to be seen metaphysically that could be an even greater benefit to her. Christian Science could show her the spiritual truth that man was never material and flawed in the first place, but instead is spiritual and perfect, the image of God. She could also learn that no one is stuck with a mortal mind, which may be filled with resentment and be a source of suffering. She could come to see, as explained in Christian Science, that God is the only Mind there really is and the only cause; that He is divine Love, and that He produces only harmony. With the light of this spiritual understanding would come a recognition of the powerlessness and unreality of any claim of so-called mortal mind. This would enable her to overcome resentment and to experience permanent physical healing as well.

And so I offered her the book that fully explains Christian Science—Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I was sure that reading this book would expand and uplift her view of things. She was very grateful to receive it, adding that she was slightly familiar with its teachings. As we parted ways she said to me, "I'm going to read this book!"

She was sincere. And she was observant. A useful example for all of us. If more people were watching what occupies their thought, and were sincere in their efforts to guard against harboring harmful thoughts, how much better their lives—and ours—would be. Less hatred and violence. Less selfishness. Less unhappiness. Less illness and disease.

The most helpful observer, however, not only watches human thought and identifies what is wrong. He or she sees the importance of healing and the way to bring it about. That's why spiritual observation is vital.

Giving more and more attention to what is true, to the spiritual nature and perfection of existence, and letting thoughts of justice, goodness, unselfishness, health, and holiness occupy our consciousness let in the light and are the keys to permanent healing and reform. In this way, human thought yields to the correcting, purifying influence of the divine Mind. This divine influence destroys the false belief that life and intelligence are material and that evil has power and reality. Without this false belief, sin and disease have no foundation and must disappear.

Thorough observation and understanding were essential in Christ Jesus' healing ministry. He taught that there is a responsibility to be watchful and to guard against being taken in by any form of evil. Yet, he never suggested we leave it at that. He taught the need to heal the sick and to save sinners. To do this requires a discernment and understanding of the truth that man is actually free from evil because he is the image of God, perfect good. And this is essential. We should never lose sight of the spiritual facts of being. What the perception and understanding of these facts brings was indicated by Jesus when he said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).

Unquestionably, these are times that require all of us to be as alert as we can be. Watching what comes to our thought, being aware of what would mislead and harm, is enormously important. But a knowledge of the claims of evil isn't by itself enough to free us and keep us free from such claims. The perception of the truth of God and man is what will bring an end to sin and sickness.

Those who would be the most careful and most helpful observers today will take to heart these comments of Mrs. Eddy's to a Christian Science branch church (see Miscellaneous Writings, p. 154). She said: "Watch diligently; never desert the post of spiritual observation and self-examination. Strive for self-abnegation, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love." Her instruction is as important now as it ever was.

Russ Gerber