In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy states, “Divine Science, rising above physical theories, ex-cludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas” (p. 123). There is no doubt that putting this statement into practice is an essential element of spiritual growth. However, I must admit that at times I found this concept unsettling.

For me, the great concern was that I would have to give up the things I most enjoy in the natural world. I envisioned having to gather up clouds, mountains, animals, and plants into a big box and take it all to a returns counter somewhere, where I would leave it all in exchange for ideas. 

Though not as literal as this imagined scene, the prospect of needing to give up these things that I loved wasn’t pleasing. I believed I would be trading in fascinating objects that I could see and touch for ideas that I couldn’t see or touch. And I felt that I might drag my feet on spiritual growth because I was not in a hurry to get to the place where I would have to do this.

What is needed is not the sacrifice of material things but a change of perspective—a new view of creation.

I voiced this concern to a Christian Scientist friend, who assured me that all good is of God; therefore, nothing truly good needs to be given up. This insight was comforting, but I realized that I really needed to think this through.

I began by looking closely at the statement quoted earlier. I realized that it’s not about making sacrifices, but about letting the objects that we perceive physically be replaced in our thought with spiritual ideas. We cannot actually trade in material objects, because there is only one real creation, that of Spirit, God, and this creation consists entirely of spiritual ideas. 

What we call matter appears real because, as the Bible tells us, “Now we see through a glass, darkly.” To me, the rest of the verse suggests that what we can see and touch doesn’t give us the full picture, but that all is revealed through Spirit: “Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (I Corinthians 13:12). What is needed is not the sacrifice of material things but a change of perspective—a new view of creation, of the actual substance of the universe, as wholly spiritual. Nothing good is given up in this reorientation of our viewpoint.

So how do we acquire this better view? One encouraging thought is that this improved perspective, or mental “new birth,” does not happen instantly but is an ongoing process (see Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 15). Science and Health explains: “Emerge gently from matter into Spirit. Think not to thwart the spiritual ultimate of all things, but come naturally into Spirit through better health and morals and as the result of spiritual growth” (p. 485).

Even our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, did not drop all material perception until he ascended. But he was still able to heal spiritually. 

As our view of nature becomes more spiritual, we can learn much from the objects we observe and enjoy. Science and Health says: “Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature. Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens,—all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect. The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light” (p. 240).

I have learned spiritual lessons from the study of grasses. Grasses are a richly varied family of plants with more than eleven thousand species. They are so successful that they grow in abundance almost everywhere on the planet. 

Why are grasses so successful? First, they are incredibly resilient. They can be grazed, cut, and even burned, but regrow quickly. This ability comes partly from deep and extensive root systems, which provide ready access to water and nutrients. The spiritual lesson for us might be in seeing the value of deepening and maintaining our mental closeness to God, the source of all being and action. This is a perfect starting point for our growth.

As our view of nature becomes more spiritual, we can learn much from the objects we observe and enjoy.

Second, grasses are wind pollinated. Their pollen-producing structures are so delicate and exposed that even a light breeze can spread ripe pollen long distances to reach other compatible and receptive plants. Similarly, we can check that our love and prayers are going out generously, freely, and without judgmental constraints, to bless receptive hearts. 

In tandem with pollen dispersal, grasses have feathery pollen-receiving structures that are ready to capture pollen from the air. This can remind us to keep our thought open to and expectant of God’s good, which is always present to bless us and make our work fruitful.

A hymn tells us, referring to God’s creation, “In beauty, grandeur, order, / His handiwork is shown” (Frederic W. Root, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 329). Love of nature does not need to be sacrificed, but it can be uplifted to a spiritual view of all things. In this view, nature illustrates spiritual qualities, broadening and deepening our understanding of creation.