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Find freedom from fear … Respond to Mind!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“Mind”
for February 18-24, 2019

Prepared by Kathy Fitzer kathyfitzer@gmail.com

This Lesson shows us that God is always caring for us, lifting us out of danger, and freeing us from fear as He holds us as an idea in Mind. Our job is to look deeper than the outward evidence of whatever the problem calls itself and let ourselves be washed clean, have our hearts changed, accept spiritual renewal and exercise the moral courage necessary to stand with Mind as we watch the barriers and detours of mortal mind’s suggestions and fears be destroyed! God didn’t give us fear … but “a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit” and the ability to exercise it! (Golden Text, The Voice)

Golden Text: This wonderful Bible text allows us to claim our freedom from limiting thoughts and fears that pose as our thoughts — or the thoughts of others — and would hold us in bondage. This translation expanded the meaning for me: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” (Amplied Bible) I found that most translations use the words self-discipline or self-control for “sound mind.” Looking at verses 6 and 7 in The Message gives an additional perspective: “And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.” Looking more closely at the context of this verse, I see an application that goes beyond personal benefit. It is a call to share our excitement and gratitude for what we know about God and what God has done — without timidity but with enthusiasm and lots of love!

Responsive Reading: These verses (and the rest of the Lesson) tell us why we don’t need to be afraid — or timid. God is with each of us, helping and strengthening us and defeating all that would war against us. The assurance is also here that we can find freedom from haunting memories of bad experiences. They will be remembered as “waters that pass [or flow] away.” As water flows downstream, it takes with it whatever is floating on top of it. The leaf or little boat or inner tube floating in the middle of the stream can’t resist being carried along until it passes out of sight. The grace of divine Mind separates the evil suggestions and memories from the man of God’s creating and sends them down the river, not to return. The verses from Job promise that any fears (or regrets) associated with the accumulation of years will disappear as we stand in the morning light — just as shadows disappear when the noon sun is directly overhead. What a great promise is in verse 18: “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” (NIV)

As we trust God, we can rest peacefully — no matter what false evidence, suggesting that God is not present or not in control, whirls around us. The facts, outlined in Isa. 65, dispel the lie of false evidence. God creates “new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come to mind.” God creates “Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” I loved realizing the present tense of this creating. The unfolding of good is going on now! Mind only knows NOW — and only knows good. That’s why man has a right not to be afraid — and not to be haunted by awful, mortal images. God IS! Mind KNOWS! And there is — in the reality of God’s kingdom — no other power, presence, or knowing. Holding to these facts brings healing to ourselves and to those we embrace in prayer.

Section 1: God, Mind, reigns and is all good. [See W’s PS#1 for Moses’ Rea Sea prayer after B2 & B3]

Do we believe God’s promise, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope”? (B1, NRSV) When it doesn’t seem that this promise is being kept, and fear or anxiety tries to creep in, we can remember Moses’ words, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (B2, NLT) This was Moses’ instruction when the Children of Israel were faced with the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army approaching from behind. God had assured Moses that they would be safe … and he trusted that. We have a similar privilege of watching God work under all circumstances in our own lives. We can trustingly turn everything over to omnipotent Mind — unhampered by fear or worry — regardless of appearances. In order to be able to consistently trust God, we need to accept the new covenant that Paul revealed to the Hebrews. As the Amplified Bible puts it, “I will imprint My laws upon their minds [even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding], And engrave them upon their hearts [effecting their regeneration]. And I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” (B4)

Thoroughly understanding that nothing can interrupt man’s oneness with God and His law, we see that there is truly nothing to fear because there is nothing beyond the safety of God’s presence. When we understand that ALL is Mind and that everything known to Mind is good, we understand that there can’t be anything outside of this Mind. So there is nothing present that isn’t good. (S1 & S2)

I love the imagery of error being exterminated. (S5) That which is exterminated leaves no remnant that can creep back in or have any further effect. God is the only Mind. Other things (evil wearing all kinds of disguises) pose as reality — but they are lies, or errors of belief. Without Mind, they lack existence, need not be feared, and must not be acknowledged as having any power. Take away the supposed power and they must melt away. “….evil can have no place where all space is filled with God.” (S5) This is so very logical! As we stick to the Truth, and understand it “even in a degree”, we can watch the lies of error be swallowed up as the Hebrews watched the Red Sea swallow up the Egyptians. (S6)

Section 2: Align thought with the truth of Mind rather than the fables of mortal mind. [W’s PS#2]

As long as we mistakenly look at the world through the lens of matter (or mortal mind) fear is going to try to push us around and make us feel threatened by all the bad stuff and corruption going on in mortal mind’s world. But, just as we know better than to be afraid we are going to get sucked into the script of a movie we’re watching, we can (and must) resist the belief that we are at the mercy of the script mortal mind has written for us (or anyone) — or subject to the claims of a mortal body. Fortunately, Paul’s words remain true today … “you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.” (B5, NLT) As children of God, we have an intimate relationship with God. He is our daddy! Children trust their daddies. And good daddies protect their children, provide for them, and won’t put up with their children being mistreated! That’s how God feels about all of His children!

Through his ministry, Jesus revealed the kingdom of heaven as God’s gift to His children. In this kingdom, every need of every living thing is provided. Jesus gave the example of the plants and flowers being so beautifully cared for, even though they often only bloom briefly and then disappear. Jesus is emphatic that we shouldn’t waste our time worrying about what we’re going to eat or drink (or basically taking care of our bodies and meeting our human needs). We read, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.” (B7, NLT) Much better to devote thought to bearing witness to all the good that God, Mind, is providing.

We shouldn’t try to do God’s job, be influenced by material evidence or be afraid that somehow Mind has lost its grip on things. We’re not left to fend for ourselves. We’re not subject to the ups and downs of a false sense of mind … that which Mary Baker Eddy termed mortal mind. Mrs. Eddy cut to the chase when she wrote, “All that really exists is the divine Mind and its idea, and in this Mind the entire being is found to be harmonious and eternal. The straight and narrow way is to see and acknowledge this fact, yield to this power, and follow the leadings of truth.” (S9) So, when we feel overwhelmed (and possibly fearful) of what we see and hear around us (or what our body, our government, or a personal situation) is reporting, we need to step back from the false script — refuse to accept a role in the bogus story. We need to know that fear (lacking any God-given authority) is truly powerless to stop “being and its action.” (S9) As we throw all of our weight onto the side of Truth, that which is not from Mind loses its ability to influence us, and we feel the care of God.

Section 3: Align thought with Mind to be able to trust God and destroy fear! [W’s PS#3, #4a. #4b]

I have often gained confidence and found healing as I have responded to the bullying of mortal mind with the bold affirmation, “I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” (B8, Ps. 56:4) I love that the Hebrew word, yare, can mean not only to be afraid of and dread, but also to revere. Why would we agree to go down the path of either being afraid of that which has no principle (because unknown to Mind) or revere it — give it any respect at all, as if it had some sort of inherent worth? If we suddenly found Monopoly money mixed in with legitimate currency, we would simply reject it, separate it out, and move forward with what we know to be real and true. That’s how we need to greet any challenge that comes our way. Even if we don’t feel consciously afraid, we need to be sure that we are giving no respect, credence or authority to anything other than what Mind has authorized (which must be good.)

Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, had that kind of faith and trust even after hearing that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him to not be afraid. (B9) The Greek word for believe, pisteuo, refers to entrusting a situation to something or someone. Jesus asked the ruler to trust Christ, Truth, rather than the false testimony. And he did! It couldn’t have been easy. Yet, he escorted Jesus to his home and entered the room with Peter, James, and John. Those convinced the girl was dead continued their wailing, and derided Jesus for suggesting the girl was not dead. Jesus put these mourners out. Similarly, when faced with anything frightening and convincing, we need to put out of thought that which would cause us to question the strength of God’s ability to completely provide for Her children, remembering that we are all — and our children are all — truly God’s children. And God is capable of all things!

The citations in Science and Health explain the power of Mind to rule out fear, disease, and every other false report of matter. “Disease is less than mind, and Mind can control it.” (S14, 378:7) Notice … MIND is doing the controlling. As thought yields to Mind, the truth, goodness and strength of Mind becomes apparent in human experience rather than the reports of sin, disease, and death. We read, “Fear is the fountain of sickness.” (S18, 391:29) Clearly, then, fear is the enemy. But it isn’t removed through human will. It is removed by understanding that “the influence of divine Love” casts out fear … that “Mind through Christ, Truth, subdues the human belief in disease.” (S15 & S17) So, our job is to “mentally contradict every complaint from the body, and rise to the true consciousness of Life as Love.” (S18, 391) Throwing our weight into the right scale — as the synagogue ruler did — allows Mind’s creation to be seen and mortal mind’s report to be destroyed.

Section 4: [Regard] Mind as [the best] medicine! [W’s PS#5, #6]

The prophet Jeremiah tried to tell the people that they were missing the fact that their problems actually had nothing to do with a physical situation. They were searching everywhere for a material “fix”— whereas the real need was for their relationship to God to be restored so that their God-given safety, health and wholeness could be realized. In chapter 17 the problem needing to be uncovered appears to be the people’s disregard for honoring the Sabbath Day. [B13, Jer. 17:14] In those days the enemy was often other armies marching against Israel. But, today, doesn’t it also feel like there are a multitude of “armies” marching against God’s innocent children — poverty, disease, addiction, tyranny of all sorts? Nothing has really changed … just the names. The tendency is still to look in a multitude of directions for solutions, but, often forgetting the consistent theme running through the scriptures … God is the source of salvation and help. So, no matter the circumstances facing us or the path we take in an effort to find relief, the ultimate demand is to “trust in the Lord.” We have this assurance from Isaiah, speaking of God—“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (B15, NLT)

How do we keep thought “fixed” on God when there are so many distractions calling for our attention? James gives us a clue when he instructs, “You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, ‘anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord’.” (B14, NLT) First of all, we must not be afraid to reach out to others when we need help, or reach out to help others when they need help to pour in a spiritual sense of oil. Looking at a spiritual definition of oil, we find ….“OIL. Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration.” (S20, 592:25) When generously applied to any problem, these qualities dissolve the gunk of fear and allow the fullness of Mind to be expressed.

Continually held before our gaze is the miracle of drugs to bring us health and happiness. We can be grateful for the dedication of those in the medical field, trying to help, and often providing relief. But, although drugs can help manage disease and bring temporary relief (or happiness), it is generally accepted that they seldom, if ever, offer a cure. After all, drugs are powerless to permanently eliminate fear, which is (as we discovered earlier) the “fountain of disease.” Prayer and heavenly inspiration — allowing us understandingly trust God — does eliminate fear, and thus Mary Baker Eddy wisely counsels, “you must not tell the patient that he is sick nor give names to diseases, for such a course increases fear, the foundation of disease, and impresses more deeply the wrong mind-picture.” (S23, 453:25)

As Jeremiah recognized … thought needs to be stirred in order for a change in circumstances to be realized. [B11, Jer. 46:11 & B13, Jer. 17:14] Gratefully, Science (the action of Mind) stirs up and dissolves the false images of mortal mind, and restores a sense of peace. (S24) It is not our doing … but God’s! As we turn to God, the power is felt.

Section 5: Lean on moral courage to hold yourself superior to sin. [W’s PS#7, K. Merrill]

The idea of “sin” can bring up all kinds of dark and guilt-ridden thoughts. But, what if we think of sin as simply the imposition of mortal mind that attempts to put up barricades or detours to keep us from following the narrow path of doing what God (Mind) has designed us to do? The original sense of New Testament Greek ἁμαρτία (hamartia) "sin" is failure, being in error, missing the mark, …” That simplifies things. What do we do if we make a mistake or “miss the mark”? Don’t we make adjustments and practice until our accuracy improves? As we go along we may humanly resolve not to go down some path we’re trying to avoid … and then too often we give in and are disappointed in ourselves.

It can be daunting to think we have to fight the battle against tempting suggestions by ourselves — through some kind of human will. Paul ran into the same type of problem and described the difficulty in his epistle to the Christians in Rome. (B18, Rom. 7:18-20) Later he shared the key to breaking the cycle … transformation of thought! That goes right back to what Jeremiah was trying to tell the people. Shift thought from identifying yourself as the offspring of Adam — with a mind separate from God — and let thought be renewed through identification as the offspring of Mind, whose nature it is to express the fullness of Mind. As your nature as God’s child is correctly identified, you will no longer find yourself being “overcome of evil” but be able to “overcome evil with good” … with the good that is of God, that is inherent in Mind! (B19, Rom. 12:2, 21)

Moral courage is mentioned several times in this section. According to definitions.net, moral courage is “the courage to take action for moral reasons (taking a stand for right vs. wrong) despite the risk of adverse consequences.” Those adverse consequences could include feeling pressure to do something just because “everyone else” is doing it. Or, it could include taking the easier path because of lack of faith in oneself to swim against the current or be able to really stretch to accomplish what seems beyond one’s abilities. Whatever it is, it is a call to overcome some form of fear!

I loved the lesson I learned while snow skiing a few years ago when I realized that the only thing I really needed to focus on was understanding why I couldn’t be afraid (or even timid). Once I really saw that it was my right to be free of fear and timidity because I am the image of Love and there is no fear in Love — so no fear in my true thought — I found the freedom to progress. Now I was able to simply focus on celebrating my lack of fear every time I tried something new and faced a little more difficult terrain. My skiing naturally improved, but only because I had conquered fear. And the lesson has extended to the rest of my life. We can face down fear, no matter what challenge confronts us.

Just as we were made to be superior to fear because Love is superior to it, we were also made to be superior to sin! Mortal mind’s suggestions are powerless to influence the idea of divine Mind. There is no better advice than this … “To hold yourself superior to sin, because God made you superior to it and governs man, is true wisdom.” (S29) There is no influence that can pull us away from what God has made us to be. We never need to fear missing the mark — just know that it is natural to have the moral courage to do what God has made us to do!

Section 6: Dwelling in the kingdom of Mind, there is nothing to fear.

The Lesson ends with more reassurances as to why we need not be afraid. The key seems to lie in understanding that Mind dwells in the realm of Mind. As Mind’s ideas we must also dwell in Mind and can’t be outside of Mind. (S30) We are not subject to an opposing mind that threatens our safety and well-being — even though the material senses say that we are. The material senses say that the earth as flat and train tracks come together. But, just because something seems to be, does not mean it is.

We rely on science to correct many false views. And we need to rely on the Science of Being to correct the false views concerning what constitutes our true being. “Science reveals only one Mind, and this one shining by its own light and governing the universe, including man, in perfect harmony.” (S31) There is no power to oppose this harmony, so we can assert our God-given authority over whatever would try to make us afraid! We see in these Bible verses the activity of God lifting all mankind out of danger and leading us forward down the path of peace. (B22, B23, B24) As we sincerely respond to and follow God’s direction, leading, caring, and guiding, this promise is found to be true … “then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.” (B25, NLT) Fear has no foundation and we have been given authority over it! Proceed fearlessly!


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We have a wonderful matching gift challenge to meet! You can double your donation by helping CedarS earn our "Adopt the Herd" $75,000 Match for the horses and riding program. (still $45,863 to go by Sept. 30, 2019.)

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CedarS weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and friends who have requested it. The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/meta

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