The power of purifying thought

Most of us wouldn’t stand in a pool of water during a lightning storm. But interestingly, it’s not the water, but the impurities in the water that mainly conduct electricity. I’ve found that my thinking is often a lot like water in that way, and to the degree that I watch my thinking, purifying it on a consistent basis, I’m less likely to react to events in the news or be offended by someone else’s adverse comment or action. I’m less likely to become a “lightning rod,” responding in an unhelpful way. 

To purify my thinking, I’ve found I need to keep a persistent watch over what I am believing about myself and others. To begin with, I need to be alert to any fear, pride, or self-righteousness—any unspiritual character trait that I might be accepting about myself or someone else—that would cause me to speak or act in a way that is detrimental. As a student of Christian Science, I am learning that I need to strive to see the spiritual idea of man, which is the true identity of each of us, as found in the Bible. In the first chapter of Genesis, we read that man is made in God’s image and likeness, reflecting God’s dominion and goodness, and we need to reject any belief that contradicts God’s infinite power, presence, and goodness.

In particular, I’ve found that humility is essential to this effort. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, says, “Humility is lens and prism to the understanding of Mind-healing; it must be had to understand our textbook; it is indispensable to personal growth . . . ” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 356). As I strive to quiet my own ego by recognizing God as the source of all intelligence and ability—the source of all good—and to purify my motives, I’m able to become more humbly obedient and receptive to God’s, divine Love’s, guidance. Humility silences human willfulness and welcomes the influence of Christ, Truth, into our experience.