Thinking Our Own Thoughts

        In line with what my husband posted earlier today, I have found the teachings of Christian Science to be invaluable in keeping out of consciousness thoughts that don't belong there.

        The only real antidote for the workings of mental interference and human willpower is in following Christ Jesus' precepts and practice.  As we make a consistent effort to conform to our Saviour's precepts, adverse mental forces have decreasing impact on our lives.  How so?  Because they cannot intrude on a consciousness full of reverent affection for Christ.  In Jesus' words, "If a man love me, he will keep my words:  and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  (John 14:23)

        In full support of everything our Master taught, Christian Science brings the assurance that what determines our invincibility to mental manipulation is what we know, what we live, of Truth. Mary Baker Eddy points out:  "If malicious suggestions whisper evil through the mind's tympanum, this were no apology for acting evilly.  We are responsible for our thoughts and acts; and instead of aiding other people's devices by obeying them,--and then whining over misfortune,--rise and overthrow both.  If a criminal coax the unwary man to commit a crime, our laws punish the dupe as accessory to the fact. Each individual is responsible for  himself."  Miscellaneous Writings, p. 119).

        It is  believing that we have a mind separate from the one Mind, God, that would lead us to feel afraid and susceptible to adverse mental forces.  As we hold to the fact that God is actually our mind, the only one there is, fearful concern about mental manipulation by others fades.  In this way we are scientifically depriving error of its supposed power and existence.

        The comforting fact is that we are the beloved ideas of the All-in-all, as unassailable and safe as God, our cause.  Recognizing and holding to this fact put us beyond the reach of suppositional material thoughts or mortal mind force.  Realizing that error, evil, is simply an assumed opposite to God, good, and never more than that, we won't be impressed by its claims to disrupt our forward march and well-being.  Evil cannot take form without our acceptance of it as reality.