In this series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.
My most important decision
However, when I had more questions than answers about God, health, relationships, work, family, etc., I realized it was time to apply for class. Seeking a deeper understanding of how to solve problems through prayer, I was digging more and more into my study of the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s writings. In short, I was ready.
I’d heard various stories of how people selected their Christian Science teachers—each experience was totally unique. I knew I didn’t want to take class with a particular teacher simply because a friend or family member had. This was an important-enough decision that I knew I should make it all by myself.
What I didn’t realize was that taking class with a teacher who was a perfect fit for me was the single most important decision I’d make in my life. Strong statement? Absolutely, because it was in this class where I learned about God—and I mean, really learned about Him and how much He loves me, and everyone. It was in this class where I grasped what it truly meant that I was the reflection of Father-Mother, God.
I also learned how this scientific understanding, based on the Scriptures as explained by Mary Baker Eddy, heals. This education has been the absolute core and foundation of everything I’ve done since, because it taught me how to pray not only for me but for others and for the world.
During class, I learned how to effectively study and rely on our precious books—the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as her other writings. Among the many priceless things class taught me was the difference between prayer and treatment.
My fellow classmates and I also learned about Christ Jesus and Mrs. Eddy and how their life examples and teachings are practical and operative today. Class taught me how to apply divine laws to every aspect of my life, with great results. My spiritual growth skyrocketed.
This education has been the absolute core and foundation of everything I’ve done since.
Before attending this two-week course, I’d planned to follow up on my college major and be a conservation biologist. But on the last day of class, that plan disappeared. I knew with absolute certainty that one day I’d be a Christian Science practitioner and devote my life to helping others experience healing through an increased understanding of God. I couldn’t imagine a better profession and began taking cases almost immediately. Some years later, I took the formal step of advertising as a practitioner in The Christian Science Journal.
Today, more than a decade after taking class, I’m still in awe of how the whole experience continues to show me how much God loves each of us. For one thing, God led me to the most perfect teacher for me. My teacher lives a love for God that is the best example I could hope for. Her way of teaching and explaining is a perfect fit for how I best grasp concepts and understand them. And she heals like nobody’s business, which is hugely instructive.
My husband took Primary class with a different teacher, and, similarly, his teacher is just the right fit for him. Each person’s experience is uniquely perfect for them. That’s what’s so beautiful about it.
This spiritual education is all about God caring for each of us in ways that meet our individual needs. I’m forever grateful to Mary Baker Eddy for instituting this wonderful provision.
