A question that was posed at the very beginning of a talk at Principia College in which the speaker shared some thoughts about how students might pray about the transition to the “real world” has really shifted my thinking about these experiences:

What do you consider reality?

Arresting isn’t it?!? What do you consider reality? Is it sin, sickness, disease, death, fear, doubt, frustration, blame, addiction, guilt, sadness, dishonesty, violence, deceit, famine, judgment, war, poverty, pain, discord, weakness, imperfection and sensuality?

OR do we hold innocence, health, wholeness, life, freedom, confidence, encouragement, forgiveness, dominion, humility, joy, honesty, peace, integrity, fullness, acceptance, peace, abundance, ease, strength, harmony, perfection and purity – the kingdom of heaven – as what is real and true?

This week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson gives us the opportunity to dive in deeper with our understanding of Christian Science as the law of God, good, and might even give us a little nudge to take further steps towards making it our own in following Christ Jesus, rejoicing in spiritual leaven, healing the sick and the sinning, listening to the “still, small voice” and sharing the gift of Christian Science with the world.

In Mary Baker Eddy’s autobiography called Retrospection and Introspection, we read the following: “Sin was, and is, the lying supposition that life, substance, and intelligence are both material and spiritual, and yet are separate from God.” (pg 67) First, sin is a lying supposition that life, substance and intelligence could somehow be separate from God. As Christian Scientists, we know that this just isn’t possible because we are constantly at one with God. In fact, nothing can separate us from God’s omnipotent Love that is taking care of us each moment!

Second, we rise above this belief that life, substance and intelligence could be both material and spiritual by getting rid of the suggestion of a separate self. Mrs Eddy goes on to say, “Silencing self, alias rising above corporeal personality, is what reforms the sinner and destroys sin.” As we become more self-less, we can’t help but feel both blessed and uplifted!

So, let’s dive in to explore the doctrine of atonement and be grateful for all the wonderful resources there are to do so! As we stick to our oneness, sacrifice self, repent, demonstrate man’s unity with God, acknowledge Jesus’ atonement, crucifixion and resurrection and adhere to the “doctrine of Christian Science,” we will be demonstrating atonement, hence the unreality of sin. What a gift to the world!

In Miscellaneous Writings, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, says the following: “He advances most in divine Science who meditates most on infinite spiritual substance and intelligence.” (pg 309)

How wonderful it is that we have the opportunity to do so with this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson, highlighting a more spiritual sense of substance than can be seen and understood on a purely human level with our material senses. Like it says in both the Sermon on the Mount and Hymn #455 from the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” As we focus on the infinite spiritual substance of God’s universe, we can’t help but grow spiritually, advance in Science and be uplifted and blessed.

This week’s Lesson gives us some helpful tips to do so, including a few suggestions about what substance is not…