From curiosity to commitment
If life were a map of various roads, terrains, and landmarks, then Christian Science Primary class instruction would be a key. On a map, the key doesn’t change anything; rather, it helps the map reader understand what everything on the map means. For me, that’s the role class instruction played and continues to play. It shows how everything in life “works together for good to them who love God” (Romans 8:28 )—to those who are seeking to understand how existence truly operates. In essence, to those who are yearning to understand divine Principle, Truth, God.
I had the opportunity to help plan and attend a youth summit on Christian Science while I was still in high school. With my eyes opened to a newfound understanding of supporting church, I eagerly attended various lectures and workshops. The one that stood out to me most was a workshop titled “Christian Science class instruction.”
Curious, I attended the workshop. I’d heard my parents talk about their class experiences and wanted to learn more about what class instruction entailed. In the workshop, the speaker said something that rocked my thought—If you’re attending this workshop, then you’re ready to take class instruction. Whoa there, I remember thinking. After all, I was simply attending the workshop out of curiosity! But the seed was planted.
As I began college, I struggled with the transition to life apart from my home and family. It seemed as though everything—from homesickness, to fear about being accepted, to concerns about the future—all hit me at the same time. I asked for help from a Christian Science practitioner, because I felt as if I were on a roller coaster. Some hours were joyous and buoyant. Others were dark and melancholy.
The speaker said something that rocked my thought.
One particular incident stands out. Sitting in my academic advisor’s office, I was clearly downtrodden. Though my advisor knew about Christian Science and supported me, he still offered the possibility that I could see the college psychologist. It was as if there were two options staring me in the face. I could continue to pray with the practitioner and learn more about my spiritual identity, or I could talk with the psychologist about all the stuff disturbing me. The answer, in that instant, was so clear. I knew, deep down and with a calm, fervent reassurance, that sticking solely with Christian Science would not only heal this roller coaster ride of emotions but it would also point me forward to a better understanding of my life, my purpose, and all existence.
It was a turning point in the healing. Once I’d made that decision, my progress thereafter was steady. With a newfound desire to learn more about God, I studied the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s writings. But everything seemed foggy. It was as if I didn’t know how to make my way through all the ideas presented.
And then it hit me. Class instruction!
Of course, next came the question: who would be my teacher? This seemed like a pretty big deal. After all, you only take class once. Right there, though, the answer had already presented itself. The practitioner who prayed with me through my transition to college was also a Christian Science teacher. I recalled her gentle love and uncompromising conviction of the truth. It resonated so clearly with what I hungered to understand.
Everything fell into place seamlessly—the application and acceptance into my teacher’s next class, determining how to get there and where to stay. It was all taken care of.
Before I knew it, the two weeks were over and I began my second year of college. Though it was the same school, everything felt different. Armed with the tools to understand and demonstrate scientifically the power of divine Love, I now had the key to my map. Step by step, I began seeing more and more of divine Love’s precise action all around me. Having had class instruction, I could now understand—and help others understand, too—the scientific action of good surrounding us. Taking class didn’t magically make me understand every sentence in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, but it did point out clearly and boldly the action of good, God. And the great thing about class is that it never stops. As we go back to our association meetings each year, and keep our eyes open to what we’re constantly learning, we’re always in for a grand adventure!