Editorial September 1, 1997 Issue

Prepared to change?

Russ Gerber

People who do well in school, in business, in the performing arts, in sports, in politics, you name it, are people who devote sufficient time for perparation. Working out, warming up, rehearsing—there are any number of ways people prepare themselves.

We would be leaving out a vital aspect of preparation, however, if we didn't include—and even give top priority to—spiritual preparation. This would surely involve prayer that directs our thought to the laws and nature of our Maker—God, divine Spirit. We become aware of God's presence as we pray; we feel His care. And through the prayer that discerns His intelligent government of the universe, we also learn to do His will. Prayer that starts with God as infinite Life and Love leads us to an understanding of what it means to be the image and likeness of God—to have an identity that is purely spiritual and good. As a result of consistently preparing in this way, we bring to our activities greater insight and inspiration. We're more confident in our ability to do what's required of us. There's a sense of freedom and stability that comes to us through prayer. The Bible is an invaluable preparatory guide as well, together with Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. These two books, and our prayers, give us the spiritual underpinning we need for every event in our day.

But that's not all that they do. One of the most fulfilling and rewarding aspects of spiritual preparation is that it can lead to a transformation in our thinking and in our lives. That's because a change in our thinking means that what we value changes. What we aim for in our lives changes. When we cherish spiritual qualities more and more, we redirect our lives in order to embrace them. As Christ Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21).

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