Facing the foe - you on the front line PAPER #2
Ecclesiastes 9: 14, 15 (to ;) 14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city;
Isaiah 32:17 the 17 The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Philippians 2:1–5 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Church—in the shadows or on the front lines? By WILLIAM E. MOODY From the June 1986 issue ( See https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/2lxp6hnv3y?s=copylink)The early Christian Church set the standard of life on the frontline and showed us how it’s done. The real challenge today is keeping that same spiritual energy alive. Paul and the other disciples understood that the message Jesus shared was powerful—it brought healing and salvation. They didn’t just talk about it behind closed doors; they lived it out in public where people could see and feel its impact. The Church couldn’t afford to play it safe or turn inward. If it did, it wasn’t really a Church.
Two thousand plus years later, the world still needs to see what real Christian faith looks like…. There have been times in history when the Church’s light dimmed because of complacency or neglect.
That’s why a new expression of Church was founded in 1879 and reorganized in 1892—the Church of Christ, Scientist. It was created to bring the original mission of Christianity into a modern, scientific age. Mary Baker Eddy described it as a Church "designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant” (Manual of The Mother Church, p. 19). stressing its healing purpose for the world.
This Church has a vital role. But that role depends on its members. The Church can only do its job if each member takes part in living out its mission.
We all commit to admitting to being on the frontlines from time to time – places where we are in direct confrontation with the battle between good and evil.
Let’s talk about this frankly, directly, as we look at how this poor, wise man might have made this lasting demonstration against his foes, and for his city. His example shows us what we can do to live out the mission of Church and fulfill the demands of Church today and be enriched ourselves and bless our neighbors, cities and the world.
What did the poor, wise man know about his foes?
It is important to know that evil is the foe, and evil is NOT a person, place, or thing; a political party, a specific demographic, a policy, a nation, state, or community.
Hymn. 160:3 False fears are foes—truth tatters those, / When understood.
Mis. 118:21–24 Self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covetousness, envy, revenge, are foes to grace, peace, and progress;
He must have known our oneness with God, our partnership with omniscient Truth and peace, gives us the insight, discernment, courage, motive-power, persistence, insistence, and stamina to overthrow these false foes
Hymn. 10:1 All power is given unto our Lord, / On Him we place reliance; / With truth from out His sacred word / We bid our foes defiance. / With Him we shall prevail, / Whatever may assail; / He is our shield and tower, / Almighty is His power; / His kingdom is forever.
His wisdom was fortified by understanding and confidence in omniscient Life, Truth, and Love.
A voice from heaven we have heard, / The call to rise from earth; / Put armor on, the sword now gird, / And for the fight go forth. / The foe in ambush claims our prize, / Then heed high heaven’s call. / Obey the voice of Truth, arise, / And let not fear enthrall.
The cause requires unswerving might: / With God alone agree. (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 5:1, 2)
“The Cause requires unswerving might”, and what is needed is the light of LOVE. And this LOVE is all knowing - omniscient. Let’s review our relation to Omniscient Love - which was covered in Primary Class.
Our relation to omniscient God
Omniscience explains God as the underlying Cause of how all things work: the attraction, adhesion, and cohesion of all things, and the true foundation of our spiritual being. All-Science, intelligence is about all knowledge of all things, from the intimate and infinitesimal to infinity.
Omniscient God names and knows all things; we are known more intimately and with more love than we may know; every hair on our head is numbered; we are known without time constraints—immortal, ageless, always known, always remembered.
We are instantly understood. Omniscient Love--all-knowing love—has already approved us, has put His stamp of approval on us.
We reflect the all-knowing Mind; we are known with intimate knowing. God knows all aspects of who we are, and has created us good. And we know what God knows: we are enough.
All the faculties of Mind are permanent: all-seeing, all-acting, all-hearing, all-knowing, all-wise, eternal. We see because God sees, we move because God moves; we hear and understand because Mind understands all.
All communication stems from Mind intelligence—“the intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man;”
Omniscience is infinite, and we reflect God’s omniscience with instant awareness and understanding; acute mental vision or precise discernment.
We are the reflection, the manifestation, of omniscient Mind. As the unique, one-of-a-kind expression of God's omniscience, we reflect complete, divine intelligence. We know what we need to know, in the right place, at the right time, all the time.
Because Mind is not dependent on educational processes to know, as Mind’s reflection, neither are we dependent. We include and express the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-hearing Mind that is God. We are instant in poetry, with on the spot right answers.
Science and Health reminds us that understanding the Science of man's true being “raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity” (p.128). We are the focused reflection of omniscient Mind. Nothing worth knowing can be hidden from us.
SH 7:24 It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied.
Having the right understanding of God protects us. It is automatically putting on the whole armor of LIGHT and JOY.
This is the nature of our daily defense work - to affirm our purity while rejecting every foe. As you all know – Mary Baker Eddy asks each member of The Mother Church to engage in daily prayerful defense. She writes in the Manual, “It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion…”
But note here she doesn’t say we should defend ourselves against sin, disease, and death. Why not? Because sin, disease, and death are not real. There is no life, truth, intelligence, or substance in them.. They are only suggestions. They may be aggressive, yes, but it is all mental. It is not “out there,” it is in our thoughts, and we can control our thought.
A conscious, daily spiritual defense is essential against unholy thoughts.. The Bible also offers helpful guidance, referring to light as armor.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
From the Barnes Commentary of Ephesians 6 and from the BIBLE FORUM: A Christian's Daily Duty BY KRISTY CHRISTIAN From the May 2010 issue https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/x4smfsseai?s=copylink
The Armor of God: Spiritual Strength for Life’s BattlesThe last chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians is a call to arms against the hostile powers facing Christ’s followers. SLIDE 11 “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11). It's an alert Christians today can take seriously—to arm themselves daily against the aggressive mental suggestions of modern mental influences, temptations, or persecutions that threaten individuals and church, community, national, and family unity.
The word "armor" in Greek is panoplia, meaning full armor with both offensive and defensive weapons. Stand (histēmi) is a military term meaning to hold a critical position. Wiles (methodeia) denotes cunning schemes. Devil (diabolos) means slanderer or false accuser. When temptation comes, God’s armor enables us to stand and not be deceived.
In Ephesians 6, Paul describes life as a spiritual battle—not just against people or external challenges, but against invisible forces that influence thought, culture, and behavior toward destructive ends. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes:
Also, SLIDE 11 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
This verse emphasizes that the real struggle isn’t just with human enemies, but with unseen evil—organized spiritual forces that work to deceive, discourage, and divide (aka aggressive mental suggestions).
To face this, Christians are told to put on the full armor of God—a spiritual set of defenses and tools drawn from the image of a Roman soldier. To “put on” mental armor is a daily need. Spiritual warfare demands that we defend ourselves with the revealed truth of man’s spiritual identity, as explained in Christian Science.
God's armor is no ordinary equipment. Ephesians presents six striking metaphors: the belt of truth, “the breastplate of righteousness,” the shoes of the gospel, “the shield of faith,” “the helmet of salvation,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:14–17). The conflict is not physical but mental . Every part of this armor relates to the Christian’s thought. (Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 10, p. 736). SLIDE 12
Paul’s description of the armor of God paints a vivid picture of spiritual preparedness—each piece serving both a symbolic and practical purpose.
He begins with the belt of truth: “Having your loins girt about with truth.” This was a belt or girdle, worn to hold armor together and provide stability. A girdle kept the tunic in place, allowing free movement in battle. It represents Truth or reality. The belt of truth holds the armor together and prevents us from being swayed by lies or confusion (Thayer’s lexicon, p. 26).
The breastplate of righteousness was the breastplate, covering the chest and vital organs. It represents righteousness, integrity, or moral uprightness. This guards the heart—spiritually speaking—protecting our motives and actions from corruption and guilt.
Paul says of the shoes of peace: “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” This indicates readiness or a firm foundation. A soldier’s boots were studded with spikes for traction. These are not war boots for aggression but shoes that let us move steadily to bring peace wherever we go. Spiritually, Christians are ready to move and preach the gospel—the good news of peace and salvation.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith … to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” This was a large Roman shield, curved and covered in leather to extinguish flaming arrows–used in ancient war. Shields were made of layered hide, polished or oiled to deflect projectiles. Faith—“confidence in certain divine truths” (Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, p. 1749)—blocks the doubts, temptations, and lies the enemy throws at us. In Biblical times, armor allowed shields to be joined together, creating a wall of protection. These shields, 2–3 feet wide and 4–5 feet long, allowed soldiers to crouch, link together, and advance—demonstrating the power of unity.
The fifth piece is the helmet of salvation. Bronze helmets protected the head. Salvation meant victory—the battle won. Soldiers fought with full confidence. Salvation’s helmet brings assurance of triumph. It’s about consistently choosing to blend our thoughts with God’s truth. This oneness with God’s thoughts—using our spiritual intuition, discernment, reasoning, perception, integrity, insight — provides a strong defense against the mortal mind’s attacks.
After describing the armor, Paul adds the need to be “praying always... in the Spirit.” Prayer shines up the armor, connects us to God, and keeps our focus clear. Prayer isn’t a separate piece—it’s the divine energy that sustains the whole effort.
God provides every spiritual weapon needed for freedom. These weapons are about being spiritually grounded, morally upright, and actively engaged in doing good and that multiplies our strength, faith, and love.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13:12)
Another vital part of daily defense is understanding that God’s law is the only law. This law is supreme, complete, final, and forever active. When we yield to God's law, we become a law unto ourselves. This law states we are not vulnerable to material, psychological, or medical theories or manipulations. This law exempts us from disease, danger, and doubt.
Our defense must be specific. Fear of contagion, accident, or discouragement must be met head-on with spiritual truths—prayerfully, confidently, persistently—until they lose power to alarm. Whether the issue is collective or personal, apply the truth that man lives in God, untouched by evil. Once fear is gone, we feel the divine authority of prayer. This moment of clarity is where we realize: the problem is handled—completely—by God’s power.
Each day brings new opportunities to grow spiritually. As we practice this discipline of ur thinking, we get better at it! It is no longer a burden. There is joy and renewal in it. Rather than feeling stuck, we are lifted, strengthened, and spiritually secure. There is deep assurance we are not just barely safe—we are permanently protected by divine Love.
Let’s continue along these lines and face animal magnetism - those aggressive mental suggestions – squarely and directly. We’ll take a triumphant look at animal magnetism, just as did our poor wise man, who by his wisdom saved a city!.
A new and joyous look at animal magnetism!
There are great wit and humor among God’s people; a friend and fellow teacher shared that he loves studying about animal magnetism. “You take one of the scariest topics (ani mag, hypnotism, error, evil) and reduce it to its native nothingness only to realize that it never had any power.” What freedom this inspires! What authority it gives
Again, Mrs Eddy writes in SH 96:12–18, 22–23, 27–4 : “This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. ….During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil, but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”
“Holding crime in check” was the experience of one branch church. Written up as a Christian Science Perspective Monitor article, (see https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/A-Christian-Science-Perspective/2024/0829/Innocence-outshines-evil?cmpid=shared-email&src=shared ) we read: “Our church members stay alert to issues in our community and pray about them. Reports of sex trafficking in our state woke us to the need for healing prayer.
This line from the Lord’s Prayer, with its spiritual interpretation from Science and Health, became part of our steady prayers:
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; / And God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death” (p. 17).
We prayed to see that no one can be drawn into harm or tempted to do it. God's love protects the innocent and reforms the wrongdoer.
During this time, two members learned their friend’s daughter, considered a vulnerable adult, had fallen into the hands of traffickers. The members contacted the family and turned to prayer.
Affirming the daughter’s spiritual innocence as protection, they also recognized that this innocence belongs to all, even those tempted to harm. They also prayed that those searching for her would be guided by divine intuition.
These members continued to pray, buoyed by the church’s prayer and being conscious of how God’s presence repels false, dark suggestions—just as light dispels darkness.
Soon after, the missing daughter was found and safely returned. This was a powerful call for the church to experience the protecting power of innocence, and their role in witnessing that in their neighborhood.. “Innocence and Truth overcome guilt and error” (Science and Health, p. 568).
What is important to learn from this?
The Association assignment to read Miscellaneous Writings was very helpful on this point. I realized I could not see this person as resistant to Truth and Love or in any way separate from God. To do otherwise “is a bland denial of Truth, and is the antipode of Christian Science” which is specifically stated by Eddy to be “mental malpractice.” (Misc. 31:1-2). I was eventually able to let go of any personal sense of the friendship and place the person and the friendship completely in God’s hands.
Putting all of these thoughts into action restored my love for this person regardless of the change in our human relationship, and brought me peace. I realized an additional blessing from this experience while writing this paper – that I’ve been healed of a longstanding belief in prior instances of “bullying” by men, which seem to have occurred periodically since I was a child. I realized that bullying is really just another form of malpractice, and is no thing or power or presence. It came to me that I hadn’t thought of any of the prior instances in several month, which was unusual. I am so grateful for this complete healing.
BECKY: This is what I have found most helpful this year:
PRAYING FOR MYSELF DAILY and HOURLY
Treating fear – I was fearful about driving in storms and driving at night, also about things happening to me or my son in the future. I worked with “defend (myself) daily against aggressive mental suggestion. “
Regarding fear of the future, I found this in a Sentinel testimony…
DEALING WITH OTHERS’ REQUESTS FOR PRAYER BUT NOT TREATMENT
I didn’t have any requests for specific CS treatment, but I shared thoughts with others when they asked me to pray. Like the time I was praying for my great nephew during a serious health issue. They were not requesting specific treatment, but I could treat my own thought. I realized that I don’t have to do anything to make or help God to be God. My job is to accept, claim, and know that He is all powerful, all good, all Life.
As it says in James“… pray one for another that YE may be healed… “ James 5:16
MY INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO FEELING OVERWHELMED OVERCOME
A story: I was regularly reading headlines and news stories and diligently praying. Our branch church was actively and eagerly engaged with its members, new visitors, and responding in new ways to our community’s needs. My practice was busier than ever. It was in that same month that I felt some cold come down like a hammer, forcing me to stand still and take stock. It took days of prayer, stripping away any personal sense, and finally realizing: There is only one patient I have - a perfect man; likewise, there is only one thing I need to do for church, for community, for myself and family - know that perfect oneness with God and man.
We only have one thing to consider
But the idea of ONE stayed on.
The demand for healing is literally knocking on our digital doors. Funding is being asked for wars, for feeding the vulnerable for political action and more. And it only needs ONE response
We only need to follow ONE God. We are all under ONE Mind.
This eased the overwhelm and gave me inspired ideas to share with some of these emails that were seeking funding to support their cause.
. I just sent back ONE response. ONE truth.
In one case, it resulted in an inspiring healing exchange with a known politician and brought peace and assurance to us both.
The small actions make a difference because they are sustainable, easy to repeat them and fit into our lives. If people can take ownership of the small things they have control over, it adds up and leads to big change.
The ripple effect concept epitomizes the way how small things begin to create waves that build momentum into a movement of thought of healing truths that must push on the ages.
Doing good works normalizes what is good.
During a television interview, Board Chairman Diane Page shared that church members were lovingly praying for whoever had done this, and for a harmonious outcome for all.
Police told Diane the vandal likely wouldn’t be found. Members prayed for justice and forgiveness, trusting divine Love to guide the outcome and expecting good for all involved.
The next day, a phone and wallet were found at the Episcopal church, leading to the arrest of a young man, Blake. Weeks later, his lawyer told us Blake was remorseful, embarrassed, and wanted to make things right.
Our church had a spring cleanup day planned, so we invited Blake to help. He came, apologized, shared juice and doughnuts, and spent the day making repairs—with skill and sincerity.
This experience awakened us to take on issues like substance abuse and crime through prayer. We’re more committed to uplifting our city, confronting beliefs in broken lives, and seeking interfaith ways to bless the wider community.
We are all healers. Our churches are healing churches - a hub of healing resources for individuals and for the cities after which each branch church is named. All can commit to living their Christianity in a bold and loving way, and to offering their sincere and scientific prayers to neighbors, coworkers, or even strangers when there is a stated need. When even a small membership is doing this, it impacts a community.”
1 - A proper sense of sin and self-deception, SLIDE 14
2 - the purifying stage of humility and repentance; spiritual baptism
3 - the understanding of good and the immersion of light; regeneration
So what is interesting in this case study is that not only can you see how the young man went through these three states and stages of human consciousness before yielding error - BUT THE CHURCH ITSELF went through the same stages as it worked to purify their own thought and actions (– review those stages by color):
SUMMARY of YOU on the FRONTLINE
For His is the greatness, the power and the glory, / The victory His, when for succor we call; / His majesty shines in creation’s wondrous story, / And He is exalted as head over all! (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 292:1, 2)
Another student (Shazie) shares the dynamic of our mental work that goes on on a day to day basis. With much happening in life - caring for home and family, both spouses starting new work ventures - there were many opportunities for prayer, finding new inspiration everywhere:
SHAZIE: “The inspiration was a hymn that spoke of “His majesty shines through creations wondrous story” and also to move myself out of the way. I was seemingly troubled, mesmerised and distracted on various fronts and listening quietly and these ideas above popped up to replace other thoughts and I am clinging to them for dear life :) … which demands more meekness and I am gratefully knowing that moving myself out of the way is the most loving idea of a most loving Father Mother God. And it is to bless all, and widely. And the standard is well… majesty - His Majesty. Gulp. And what is more this majesty shines. Not a faint ember here at all! So that is the inspiration going on. “
It starts with us – no act based on prayer is too small - normalizing what is good and natural - it is in the little consistent things that make this movement move!
We pledge to be undisturbed by the spectacle of evil, and to “keep the holiness of Life.”
The holiness of life is in its demonstration to fulfill the two greatest commandments to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. “ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?” Malachi 2:10)
“At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you. The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity. (Science and Health, p. 571:15)
We know this has impact. We can be like this poor, wise man who by his wisdom delivered the city.
In closing, let’s remember the spiritual law behind this citation in Isaiah 32:17
“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
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Ecclesiastes 9: 14, 15 (to ;) 14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city;
Isaiah 32:17 the 17 The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Philippians 2:1–5 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Church—in the shadows or on the front lines? By WILLIAM E. MOODY From the June 1986 issue ( See https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/2lxp6hnv3y?s=copylink)The early Christian Church set the standard of life on the frontline and showed us how it’s done. The real challenge today is keeping that same spiritual energy alive. Paul and the other disciples understood that the message Jesus shared was powerful—it brought healing and salvation. They didn’t just talk about it behind closed doors; they lived it out in public where people could see and feel its impact. The Church couldn’t afford to play it safe or turn inward. If it did, it wasn’t really a Church.
Two thousand plus years later, the world still needs to see what real Christian faith looks like…. There have been times in history when the Church’s light dimmed because of complacency or neglect.
That’s why a new expression of Church was founded in 1879 and reorganized in 1892—the Church of Christ, Scientist. It was created to bring the original mission of Christianity into a modern, scientific age. Mary Baker Eddy described it as a Church "designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant” (Manual of The Mother Church, p. 19). stressing its healing purpose for the world.
This Church has a vital role. But that role depends on its members. The Church can only do its job if each member takes part in living out its mission.
We all commit to admitting to being on the frontlines from time to time – places where we are in direct confrontation with the battle between good and evil.
Let’s talk about this frankly, directly, as we look at how this poor, wise man might have made this lasting demonstration against his foes, and for his city. His example shows us what we can do to live out the mission of Church and fulfill the demands of Church today and be enriched ourselves and bless our neighbors, cities and the world.
What did the poor, wise man know about his foes?
It is important to know that evil is the foe, and evil is NOT a person, place, or thing; a political party, a specific demographic, a policy, a nation, state, or community.
Hymn. 160:3 False fears are foes—truth tatters those, / When understood.
Mis. 118:21–24 Self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covetousness, envy, revenge, are foes to grace, peace, and progress;
He must have known our oneness with God, our partnership with omniscient Truth and peace, gives us the insight, discernment, courage, motive-power, persistence, insistence, and stamina to overthrow these false foes
Hymn. 10:1 All power is given unto our Lord, / On Him we place reliance; / With truth from out His sacred word / We bid our foes defiance. / With Him we shall prevail, / Whatever may assail; / He is our shield and tower, / Almighty is His power; / His kingdom is forever.
His wisdom was fortified by understanding and confidence in omniscient Life, Truth, and Love.
A voice from heaven we have heard, / The call to rise from earth; / Put armor on, the sword now gird, / And for the fight go forth. / The foe in ambush claims our prize, / Then heed high heaven’s call. / Obey the voice of Truth, arise, / And let not fear enthrall.
The cause requires unswerving might: / With God alone agree. (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 5:1, 2)
“The Cause requires unswerving might”, and what is needed is the light of LOVE. And this LOVE is all knowing - omniscient. Let’s review our relation to Omniscient Love - which was covered in Primary Class.
Our relation to omniscient God
Omniscience explains God as the underlying Cause of how all things work: the attraction, adhesion, and cohesion of all things, and the true foundation of our spiritual being. All-Science, intelligence is about all knowledge of all things, from the intimate and infinitesimal to infinity.
Omniscient God names and knows all things; we are known more intimately and with more love than we may know; every hair on our head is numbered; we are known without time constraints—immortal, ageless, always known, always remembered.
We are instantly understood. Omniscient Love--all-knowing love—has already approved us, has put His stamp of approval on us.
We reflect the all-knowing Mind; we are known with intimate knowing. God knows all aspects of who we are, and has created us good. And we know what God knows: we are enough.
All the faculties of Mind are permanent: all-seeing, all-acting, all-hearing, all-knowing, all-wise, eternal. We see because God sees, we move because God moves; we hear and understand because Mind understands all.
All communication stems from Mind intelligence—“the intercommunication is always from God to His idea, man;”
Omniscience is infinite, and we reflect God’s omniscience with instant awareness and understanding; acute mental vision or precise discernment.
We are the reflection, the manifestation, of omniscient Mind. As the unique, one-of-a-kind expression of God's omniscience, we reflect complete, divine intelligence. We know what we need to know, in the right place, at the right time, all the time.
Because Mind is not dependent on educational processes to know, as Mind’s reflection, neither are we dependent. We include and express the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-hearing Mind that is God. We are instant in poetry, with on the spot right answers.
Science and Health reminds us that understanding the Science of man's true being “raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity” (p.128). We are the focused reflection of omniscient Mind. Nothing worth knowing can be hidden from us.
SH 7:24 It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied.
Having the right understanding of God protects us. It is automatically putting on the whole armor of LIGHT and JOY.
This is the nature of our daily defense work - to affirm our purity while rejecting every foe. As you all know – Mary Baker Eddy asks each member of The Mother Church to engage in daily prayerful defense. She writes in the Manual, “It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion…”
But note here she doesn’t say we should defend ourselves against sin, disease, and death. Why not? Because sin, disease, and death are not real. There is no life, truth, intelligence, or substance in them.. They are only suggestions. They may be aggressive, yes, but it is all mental. It is not “out there,” it is in our thoughts, and we can control our thought.
A conscious, daily spiritual defense is essential against unholy thoughts.. The Bible also offers helpful guidance, referring to light as armor.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
From the Barnes Commentary of Ephesians 6 and from the BIBLE FORUM: A Christian's Daily Duty BY KRISTY CHRISTIAN From the May 2010 issue https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/x4smfsseai?s=copylink
The Armor of God: Spiritual Strength for Life’s BattlesThe last chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians is a call to arms against the hostile powers facing Christ’s followers. SLIDE 11 “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11). It's an alert Christians today can take seriously—to arm themselves daily against the aggressive mental suggestions of modern mental influences, temptations, or persecutions that threaten individuals and church, community, national, and family unity.
The word "armor" in Greek is panoplia, meaning full armor with both offensive and defensive weapons. Stand (histēmi) is a military term meaning to hold a critical position. Wiles (methodeia) denotes cunning schemes. Devil (diabolos) means slanderer or false accuser. When temptation comes, God’s armor enables us to stand and not be deceived.
In Ephesians 6, Paul describes life as a spiritual battle—not just against people or external challenges, but against invisible forces that influence thought, culture, and behavior toward destructive ends. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes:
Also, SLIDE 11 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
This verse emphasizes that the real struggle isn’t just with human enemies, but with unseen evil—organized spiritual forces that work to deceive, discourage, and divide (aka aggressive mental suggestions).
To face this, Christians are told to put on the full armor of God—a spiritual set of defenses and tools drawn from the image of a Roman soldier. To “put on” mental armor is a daily need. Spiritual warfare demands that we defend ourselves with the revealed truth of man’s spiritual identity, as explained in Christian Science.
God's armor is no ordinary equipment. Ephesians presents six striking metaphors: the belt of truth, “the breastplate of righteousness,” the shoes of the gospel, “the shield of faith,” “the helmet of salvation,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:14–17). The conflict is not physical but mental . Every part of this armor relates to the Christian’s thought. (Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 10, p. 736). SLIDE 12
Paul’s description of the armor of God paints a vivid picture of spiritual preparedness—each piece serving both a symbolic and practical purpose.
He begins with the belt of truth: “Having your loins girt about with truth.” This was a belt or girdle, worn to hold armor together and provide stability. A girdle kept the tunic in place, allowing free movement in battle. It represents Truth or reality. The belt of truth holds the armor together and prevents us from being swayed by lies or confusion (Thayer’s lexicon, p. 26).
The breastplate of righteousness was the breastplate, covering the chest and vital organs. It represents righteousness, integrity, or moral uprightness. This guards the heart—spiritually speaking—protecting our motives and actions from corruption and guilt.
Paul says of the shoes of peace: “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” This indicates readiness or a firm foundation. A soldier’s boots were studded with spikes for traction. These are not war boots for aggression but shoes that let us move steadily to bring peace wherever we go. Spiritually, Christians are ready to move and preach the gospel—the good news of peace and salvation.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith … to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” This was a large Roman shield, curved and covered in leather to extinguish flaming arrows–used in ancient war. Shields were made of layered hide, polished or oiled to deflect projectiles. Faith—“confidence in certain divine truths” (Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, p. 1749)—blocks the doubts, temptations, and lies the enemy throws at us. In Biblical times, armor allowed shields to be joined together, creating a wall of protection. These shields, 2–3 feet wide and 4–5 feet long, allowed soldiers to crouch, link together, and advance—demonstrating the power of unity.
The fifth piece is the helmet of salvation. Bronze helmets protected the head. Salvation meant victory—the battle won. Soldiers fought with full confidence. Salvation’s helmet brings assurance of triumph. It’s about consistently choosing to blend our thoughts with God’s truth. This oneness with God’s thoughts—using our spiritual intuition, discernment, reasoning, perception, integrity, insight — provides a strong defense against the mortal mind’s attacks.
- “Stand porter at the door of thought…” (Science and Health, p. 392:24–27)
After describing the armor, Paul adds the need to be “praying always... in the Spirit.” Prayer shines up the armor, connects us to God, and keeps our focus clear. Prayer isn’t a separate piece—it’s the divine energy that sustains the whole effort.
God provides every spiritual weapon needed for freedom. These weapons are about being spiritually grounded, morally upright, and actively engaged in doing good and that multiplies our strength, faith, and love.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13:12)
Another vital part of daily defense is understanding that God’s law is the only law. This law is supreme, complete, final, and forever active. When we yield to God's law, we become a law unto ourselves. This law states we are not vulnerable to material, psychological, or medical theories or manipulations. This law exempts us from disease, danger, and doubt.
Our defense must be specific. Fear of contagion, accident, or discouragement must be met head-on with spiritual truths—prayerfully, confidently, persistently—until they lose power to alarm. Whether the issue is collective or personal, apply the truth that man lives in God, untouched by evil. Once fear is gone, we feel the divine authority of prayer. This moment of clarity is where we realize: the problem is handled—completely—by God’s power.
Each day brings new opportunities to grow spiritually. As we practice this discipline of ur thinking, we get better at it! It is no longer a burden. There is joy and renewal in it. Rather than feeling stuck, we are lifted, strengthened, and spiritually secure. There is deep assurance we are not just barely safe—we are permanently protected by divine Love.
Let’s continue along these lines and face animal magnetism - those aggressive mental suggestions – squarely and directly. We’ll take a triumphant look at animal magnetism, just as did our poor wise man, who by his wisdom saved a city!.
A new and joyous look at animal magnetism!
There are great wit and humor among God’s people; a friend and fellow teacher shared that he loves studying about animal magnetism. “You take one of the scariest topics (ani mag, hypnotism, error, evil) and reduce it to its native nothingness only to realize that it never had any power.” What freedom this inspires! What authority it gives
Again, Mrs Eddy writes in SH 96:12–18, 22–23, 27–4 : “This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. ….During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil, but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”
“Holding crime in check” was the experience of one branch church. Written up as a Christian Science Perspective Monitor article, (see https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/A-Christian-Science-Perspective/2024/0829/Innocence-outshines-evil?cmpid=shared-email&src=shared ) we read: “Our church members stay alert to issues in our community and pray about them. Reports of sex trafficking in our state woke us to the need for healing prayer.
This line from the Lord’s Prayer, with its spiritual interpretation from Science and Health, became part of our steady prayers:
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; / And God leadeth us not into temptation, but delivereth us from sin, disease, and death” (p. 17).
We prayed to see that no one can be drawn into harm or tempted to do it. God's love protects the innocent and reforms the wrongdoer.
During this time, two members learned their friend’s daughter, considered a vulnerable adult, had fallen into the hands of traffickers. The members contacted the family and turned to prayer.
Affirming the daughter’s spiritual innocence as protection, they also recognized that this innocence belongs to all, even those tempted to harm. They also prayed that those searching for her would be guided by divine intuition.
These members continued to pray, buoyed by the church’s prayer and being conscious of how God’s presence repels false, dark suggestions—just as light dispels darkness.
Soon after, the missing daughter was found and safely returned. This was a powerful call for the church to experience the protecting power of innocence, and their role in witnessing that in their neighborhood.. “Innocence and Truth overcome guilt and error” (Science and Health, p. 568).
What is important to learn from this?
- For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. ...
- This law prohibits all varieties of evil. Paul makes a list of these varieties in Galatians 5:17, 19–21 (International Children’s Bible) that include immorality, impurity and wild living, worshiping false gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, 21 having envy, being drunk, and more. He warns: Those who do these things will not be in God’s kingdom.
- Paul’s catalog of vices isn’t mere counsel for improving behavior but a strong caution against practices opposed to the kingdom of God becoming normal. One scholar explains: “What makes the flesh . . . destructive is that it can become the norm by which people’s lives are lived.
- Countering anti-mag - we need our churches and individual CSists to take a stand against harmful norms. This need for goodness is being called for more and more loudly.
- We hear it in podcasts like On Being, 10% Happier, The One You Feed, The Happiness Lab, Inner Work, literally dozens spotlight self-care, joyful resistance, and peace in chaos. Influencers and magazines are in the thousands encouraging resilience, gratitude, and everyday joy
- SLIDE 13 One podcaster said simply, “this isn’t a time to get overwhelmed or check out. This is a time to double down on doing good. The world needs more light!”
- Mary Baker Eddy writes
- “Let there be light,” is the perpetual demand of Truth and Love, changing chaos into order and discord into the music of the spheres.(Science and Health, p. 255)
- Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. (Science and Health, p. 162)
- Love is what is normal. Good is what is normal — that good is not rare, miraculous, or occasional, good is natural and eternal. Evil is unnatural and unreal.)
- TAKING OUR STAND – INDIVIDUALLY and COLLECTIVELY -
- “To energize wholesome spiritual warfare, to rebuke vainglory, to offset boastful emptiness, to crown patient toil, and rejoice in the spirit and power of Christian Science, we must ourselves be true. There is but one way of doing good, and that is to do it! There is but one way of being good, and that is to be good! “ (Retrospection and Introspection, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 86:1)
- INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO BULLYING AND MALICE
- Dealing with malice and malpractice from a friend - Cathy
The Association assignment to read Miscellaneous Writings was very helpful on this point. I realized I could not see this person as resistant to Truth and Love or in any way separate from God. To do otherwise “is a bland denial of Truth, and is the antipode of Christian Science” which is specifically stated by Eddy to be “mental malpractice.” (Misc. 31:1-2). I was eventually able to let go of any personal sense of the friendship and place the person and the friendship completely in God’s hands.
Putting all of these thoughts into action restored my love for this person regardless of the change in our human relationship, and brought me peace. I realized an additional blessing from this experience while writing this paper – that I’ve been healed of a longstanding belief in prior instances of “bullying” by men, which seem to have occurred periodically since I was a child. I realized that bullying is really just another form of malpractice, and is no thing or power or presence. It came to me that I hadn’t thought of any of the prior instances in several month, which was unusual. I am so grateful for this complete healing.
- INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO EXTREMISM
- It is interesting to think of the greatest weapon against extremism can be found in imbibing the lessons of the Sermon on the Mount.
- Extremism is against people and groups; Extremism deals with stereotypes and unchecked hatred.
- The Sermon on the Mount is said to be the very nature of the Christ; The qualities of the Christ are to be upheld individually, with generous love; being merciful, pure in heart, being peacemakers, expressing meekness, – all these qualities are brought about INDIVIDUALLY by kindness and doing good works
- This annual report from a student illustrates how gentle and natural this is by making her spiritual growth a priority and lovingly taking care of others when they asked for prayer.
BECKY: This is what I have found most helpful this year:
PRAYING FOR MYSELF DAILY and HOURLY
Treating fear – I was fearful about driving in storms and driving at night, also about things happening to me or my son in the future. I worked with “defend (myself) daily against aggressive mental suggestion. “
- The thought came that I can make spiritual growth an absolute priority NOW! “… Acknowledging NOW and forever God‘s supremacy, omnipotence, and omnipresence.”
- “… evil (fear) can have no place where all space (consciousness) is filled with God. “
Regarding fear of the future, I found this in a Sentinel testimony…
- “I just needed to keep listening and living in the here and now of God’s allness and goodness and not worry about what was ahead. I realized that this moment, and all future moments are God’s and that everything is under His control.” CS Sentinel, August 4, 2025
DEALING WITH OTHERS’ REQUESTS FOR PRAYER BUT NOT TREATMENT
I didn’t have any requests for specific CS treatment, but I shared thoughts with others when they asked me to pray. Like the time I was praying for my great nephew during a serious health issue. They were not requesting specific treatment, but I could treat my own thought. I realized that I don’t have to do anything to make or help God to be God. My job is to accept, claim, and know that He is all powerful, all good, all Life.
As it says in James“… pray one for another that YE may be healed… “ James 5:16
MY INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO FEELING OVERWHELMED OVERCOME
A story: I was regularly reading headlines and news stories and diligently praying. Our branch church was actively and eagerly engaged with its members, new visitors, and responding in new ways to our community’s needs. My practice was busier than ever. It was in that same month that I felt some cold come down like a hammer, forcing me to stand still and take stock. It took days of prayer, stripping away any personal sense, and finally realizing: There is only one patient I have - a perfect man; likewise, there is only one thing I need to do for church, for community, for myself and family - know that perfect oneness with God and man.
We only have one thing to consider
- One God,
- one man,
- one purpose
- One activity
- One outcome
But the idea of ONE stayed on.
The demand for healing is literally knocking on our digital doors. Funding is being asked for wars, for feeding the vulnerable for political action and more. And it only needs ONE response
We only need to follow ONE God. We are all under ONE Mind.
This eased the overwhelm and gave me inspired ideas to share with some of these emails that were seeking funding to support their cause.
. I just sent back ONE response. ONE truth.
In one case, it resulted in an inspiring healing exchange with a known politician and brought peace and assurance to us both.
The small actions make a difference because they are sustainable, easy to repeat them and fit into our lives. If people can take ownership of the small things they have control over, it adds up and leads to big change.
The ripple effect concept epitomizes the way how small things begin to create waves that build momentum into a movement of thought of healing truths that must push on the ages.
Doing good works normalizes what is good.
- COLLECTIVELY doing good - Individual actions can join with others in the collective healing action that is the Church to heal our communities:
- From Equipped to Heal By Melanie Wahlberg From the August 2025 issue https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/yq9586jed6?s=copylink
- A nearby poultry farming area had been hit by avian flu, and the church members knew they wanted to pray about this. Within 48 hours of the church members’ prayers, the farms and industry were on their way back to normal. City officials expressed surprise at the quick turnaround and news reports confirmed the stoppage of the problem. The members were a bit awestruck by the power of their work. They had fresh appreciation for the place their church held in the community.
- One more example of a branch impacting its town? A church member left a message with the community’s board of supervisors, volunteering that the branch could prayerfully support them in any way the board needed. The supervisors thanked them and confided that they were receiving disruptive, vulgar, racist calls, which were making it impossible to conduct business.
- The branch’s prayers highlighted the true spiritual nature of everyone involved.
- A couple of weeks later, the supervisors reported back that they’d received no more disruptive calls since the church had contacted them. They then asked the church to pray about another challenge the community was facing.
- Let’s get into another Story of a CHURCH'S RESPONSE TO Vandalism and use it as a case study https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/mavkyekmie?s=copylink A Church Prays About Vandalism By Cindy Clague, Diane Page, James ShepherdFrom the November 2007 issue
- From Equipped to Heal By Melanie Wahlberg From the August 2025 issue https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/yq9586jed6?s=copylink
During a television interview, Board Chairman Diane Page shared that church members were lovingly praying for whoever had done this, and for a harmonious outcome for all.
Police told Diane the vandal likely wouldn’t be found. Members prayed for justice and forgiveness, trusting divine Love to guide the outcome and expecting good for all involved.
The next day, a phone and wallet were found at the Episcopal church, leading to the arrest of a young man, Blake. Weeks later, his lawyer told us Blake was remorseful, embarrassed, and wanted to make things right.
Our church had a spring cleanup day planned, so we invited Blake to help. He came, apologized, shared juice and doughnuts, and spent the day making repairs—with skill and sincerity.
This experience awakened us to take on issues like substance abuse and crime through prayer. We’re more committed to uplifting our city, confronting beliefs in broken lives, and seeking interfaith ways to bless the wider community.
We are all healers. Our churches are healing churches - a hub of healing resources for individuals and for the cities after which each branch church is named. All can commit to living their Christianity in a bold and loving way, and to offering their sincere and scientific prayers to neighbors, coworkers, or even strangers when there is a stated need. When even a small membership is doing this, it impacts a community.”
- Mrs Eddy writes: Through repentance, spiritual baptism, and regeneration, mortals put off their material beliefs and false individuality. Science and Health, p. 242:1–3) This impacts individuals as well as churches.
- The continuing story of church members who were involved in the healing of vandalism includes this:
- “We've realized that with internal church affairs, we cannot afford to let disagreements or small problems grow into fires. We need to quickly heal issues through watchful prayer. Fire is defined in Science and Health as "affliction purifying and elevating man" (p. 586). But it also says, "Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it" (p. 57). So why not diligently love one another and our communities—and skip the fire!
- Before the vandalism, our membership had been discussing an extensive remodeling project (still under consideration). After this vandalism event stirred us into prayerful action, we recognized more than ever that church is an idea in consciousness—not just bricks and paint. Church building is really about establishing right activity on the foundation of divine Principle, Love—loving and supporting all our neighbors, inside and outside our membership.
- Our increased watchfulness—our diligent work—may seem small, but it demonstrates infinite Principle: all-inclusive, growing, and multiplying.”
1 - A proper sense of sin and self-deception, SLIDE 14
2 - the purifying stage of humility and repentance; spiritual baptism
3 - the understanding of good and the immersion of light; regeneration
So what is interesting in this case study is that not only can you see how the young man went through these three states and stages of human consciousness before yielding error - BUT THE CHURCH ITSELF went through the same stages as it worked to purify their own thought and actions (– review those stages by color):
SUMMARY of YOU on the FRONTLINE
For His is the greatness, the power and the glory, / The victory His, when for succor we call; / His majesty shines in creation’s wondrous story, / And He is exalted as head over all! (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 292:1, 2)
Another student (Shazie) shares the dynamic of our mental work that goes on on a day to day basis. With much happening in life - caring for home and family, both spouses starting new work ventures - there were many opportunities for prayer, finding new inspiration everywhere:
SHAZIE: “The inspiration was a hymn that spoke of “His majesty shines through creations wondrous story” and also to move myself out of the way. I was seemingly troubled, mesmerised and distracted on various fronts and listening quietly and these ideas above popped up to replace other thoughts and I am clinging to them for dear life :) … which demands more meekness and I am gratefully knowing that moving myself out of the way is the most loving idea of a most loving Father Mother God. And it is to bless all, and widely. And the standard is well… majesty - His Majesty. Gulp. And what is more this majesty shines. Not a faint ember here at all! So that is the inspiration going on. “
It starts with us – no act based on prayer is too small - normalizing what is good and natural - it is in the little consistent things that make this movement move!
We pledge to be undisturbed by the spectacle of evil, and to “keep the holiness of Life.”
The holiness of life is in its demonstration to fulfill the two greatest commandments to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. “ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?” Malachi 2:10)
“At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you. The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity. (Science and Health, p. 571:15)
We know this has impact. We can be like this poor, wise man who by his wisdom delivered the city.
In closing, let’s remember the spiritual law behind this citation in Isaiah 32:17
“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”
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