A number of years ago, I was walking in the woods with my sister and sister-in-law. We loved to talk over our lives with each other. At one point my sister said something to the effect that our thoughts are not important—implying that it is only our actions that matter. Her comment surprised me because I’ve found that what we think is, in fact, of paramount importance. 

Practicing the rules of Christian healing that Christ Jesus practiced and Mary Baker Eddy explained and practiced as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, we learn that seeing (or thinking of) ourselves and others correctly heals all manner of discord and disease. This correct thinking is seeing ourselves and others as children of God, Spirit—as the spiritual image and likeness of our Maker. 

To do this requires consistent monitoring of our thoughts. In her signature work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mrs. Eddy explains: “Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously. When the condition is present which you say induces disease, whether it be air, exercise, heredity, contagion, or accident, then perform your office as porter and shut out these unhealthy thoughts and fears” (p. 392).