Join us for the best summer yet!

Accept the Mind of Christ
Metaphysical Application Ideas the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“Mind“
For August 17—23 , 2020

By Craig L. Ghislin, C.S. Glen Ellyn, Illinois (Bartlett)
craig.ghislincs@icloud.com / (630) 830-8683 / (630) 234-3987 cell/text

Click here to hear Craig Ghislin, CS, read “Accept the Mind of Christ”
(his metaphysical application ideas on this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Mind.”) Or paste into your browser https://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/audio/play/audio-met-on-mind-by-craig-ghislin/

How deep would you say your understanding of God goes? Many people like the promise of a kingdom of heaven and the idea of a loving God watching over them. There’s a broad range of thoughts on what part we play, if any, to experience a conscious relationship with God. Some think church has nothing to do with it, while others think church has everything to do with it. But there is a growing number of theologians questioning if even regularly going to church is enough. A rising chorus of preachers are joining the rally cry against a superficial Christianity. Paul was concerned about it too. In the Golden Text he points out that the Spirit searches “the deep things of God.” The Greek word translated as “search” isn’t a merely superficial glance. According to theologian Albert Barnes (1798-1791) it means to, “search accurately, diligently, so as fully to understand; such profound research as to have thorough knowledge.” That thorough knowledge is achieved when we have “the mind of Christ.”

Having the “mind of Christ” is often interpreted as having Christ’s humility. While Jesus certainly was humble, he knew who he was as God’s son: He was bold in his declarations of truth and in demonstration of its healing power. His humility was evidenced in his recognition that he could do nothing of himself. Being in total sympathy with God, he subjected himself to God in everything he thought and did. He knew only one Mind. What would having “the mind of Christ” look like for you? What would change? Have you ever tried it?

In the Responsive Reading we have the story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well. According to many sources, modern and traditional, the Jews and the Samaritans hated each other. Most often we are inclined to view this story as an example of Jesus’ ability to read the situation, and his willingness to break with a long-standing history of animosity between the Jews and Samaritans.

But, what about looking at it from her perspective? She’s going about her business and here comes this Jew who has the nerve to ask her to give him a drink. She could have easily considered this an affront. The way it’s worded in the text, Jesus’ words sound more like a command than a request. Barnes says the Jews all but despised the Samaritans. He writes, the Jews, being “under no kind of obligation to the Samaritans – will borrow nothing from them – will not drink out of the same cup or well with them – will not sit down to meals with them, nor eat out of the same vessel – will have no religious connection, no commercial dealings with them. … The Jews cursed them, and believed them to be accursed.” Modern writers agree with this assessment. But Jesus was doing more than breaching social barriers. He was offering her openly something that was infinitely more satisfying and fulfilling than anything she could have dreamed of. Jesus offered a great gift—Figuratively, the woman had the choice between toiling endlessly drawing wisdom and knowledge from a limited and unreliable source—the well of human knowledge; or accepting Jesus’ offer of access to the ever-flowing fountain of everlasting life, spiritual power, wisdom and knowledge. We might think of it as the difference between drawing a limited collection of data from a hard drive, as opposed to having instant access through streaming any time and any place. She could have balked at this, but she deserves credit for recognizing the value of what Jesus’ offer meant for her and the world. She dropped what she was doing, and immediately spread the word.

Section 1: God’s Plan Is Good

Several of the stories in this Lesson concern conflicts between two groups who had some dysfunction if not outright hatred for each other. Whatever we might think of others, or worry about what they’re thinking of us, we can always be sure that the thoughts God has of us are always health-giving and peaceful (B1). The phrase “expected end” means the end that God longs for. That’s always going to be good, so we can take comfort in that—whatever the end is, it’s good, God-ordained, and already conceived. Even if we don’t know the end, God does, so no worries necessary!

When you think about it, aren’t most of the worries we have over an unknown future? I love the peace that comes with knowing that God has it taken care of. When I feel anxious, or sad, or angry, or unwell in any way, I want to get as close to God as I possibly can. Barnes tells us, “The word rendered ‘acquaint thyself’ means, properly, “to dwell,” to be familiar with anyone, to associate with one – from the idea of dwelling in the same tent or house” (B2). We can’t get much closer to God than to dwell with Him. How much time do you spend getting acquainted with God? We all want the peace that comes with it, but are we willing to devote time to it? To have the mind of Christ, we have to spend time with God. Doing so promises to bring us delight. Rather than looking down to earth in dejection, why not look up, and lift your face to God?

Yes, I know—when times are tough it seems pretty hard to do that. Job felt totally dejected. In fact, that’s the context of citation B3. God, “is of one mind, and who can turn him? He performeth the thing that is appointed for me” (B3). Superficially, this seems like a positive statement of God’s support. But in context Job is complaining that God has put the calamity he suffers upon him unjustly, and nothing can be done to change God’s mind. In other words, “This mess is all God’s fault and there’s nothing I can do to get out of it!” Have you ever felt that way? I know I have occasionally. Given the context, I was puzzled by this citation, but commentators John Gill (1697-1771) and Albert Barnes shed some light on the positive aspect of Job’s complaint.

Gill implies that the calamity that falls upon Job is indeed from God, but as with all men, as difficult as any trial may be, it is all for our good, and the aim is to turn us to God. Barnes clarifies that God’s “performing” isn’t giving us the problem, it’s giving us the solution. It’s that “expected end” we’re talking about. He says it’s, “a matter of unspeakable consolation that God has a plan – for who could honor a God who had “no” plan, but who did everything by hap-hazard? … It is a matter of joy that God ‘does’ execute all his purposes; for as they are all good and wise, it is ‘desirable’ that they should be executed. It would be a calamity if a good plan were not executed.”

Although we don’t always understand it from a limited human standpoint, we have to remember that God’s plan overrules anything we or anyone else might contrive. I’ve noticed that just as we have our own personal plans, we also have personal preferences as to theology and spirituality. This is why Paul calls for us to be of one mind (B4). God’s plan isn’t a choice based on personal preference. It is what it is, and nobody can alter it, and we can be sure it’s good. So why don’t we just get our human sense of things out of the way and let God do His perfect work? Pastor Mark Dunagan observes, “Many religious bodies want to make it where everyone can retain their own views and practices, nobody has to change anything, nobody has to give anything up and we can all just agree to disagree. But such doesn’t glorify God. In fact, such an attitude only glorifies the opinions of men and the people who hold them.”

In Science and Health, the problem of conflicting opinions is solvedin the definition of Mind as, “The only I, or Us…” (S1). If there’s only one “I or Us” God is the only Person, there can’t be any conflicting opinions; and as the definition says, Mind isn’t in man, but man is Mind’s expression. That means all originates in Mind (S2), and that God and man are one (S3). God is the “noumenon”— [the original—thing in itself], and man is the phenomena [the visible appearance of a thing]—” (S3). Notice that the thought is in Mind, not the other way around. All real perception and comprehension are in Mind (S4).

All things considered, yielding all personal sense, and turning to the one Mind for guidance is the surest path to peace, and dominion. This is what Jesus modeled for us, and this is having the mind of Christ (S5).

Section 2: Be Childlike

The strange thing about yielding personal sense is that many find that difficult to do. We have big plans and think we know what’s best, and we generally don’t like it when things don’t go our way. Grown-ups worry and plan, and worry some more. The older we get the easier it is to find excuses for things not going our way, and then we blame others for our problems. Children generally don’t think like that. Now some of you might rebut that statement by recalling some very willful and spoiled children who’ve thrown tantrums if they didn’t get their way. But that’s being childish, and even some adults have never grown out of that. The Bible encourages being childlike. That’s a whole different thing.

Being childlike is looking at the world with non-stop wonder and expectation of infinite possibilities. The childlike thought also trusts the parents completely, and is happy in each moment. The little maid in the story of Naaman (B5) may or may not have been aware that she’d been abducted by a conquering army. She may or may not have been aware that by most accounts, Naaman was her enemy. Whether she was or not, she didn’t see him as an enemy. She saw someone who needed help, and in her innocence, she offered the help she knew would make a difference.

The prophet Elisha being an adult, was well aware of the political and military situation, and perhaps he wouldn’t have been inclined at all to help Naaman, but for the maid sending Naaman to him for healing. Elisha didn’t jump at the chance, nor did he outright disrespect Naaman. But he did have to exercise some childlike thought himself. His humble, prayer led him to offer a solution that required Naaman to also yield up pride and personal sense. We can be sure other Hebrews taken into slavery by the Syrians knew about Elisha, but only the little maid spoke up. Childlike thought and trust in the one Mind not only initiated the healing, but, was instrumental in the process as well as the outcome (B6).

In our world today, we seem to be divided by religion, race, ideology, and a host of other factors. But since there’s only one “I or Us” we can really have only one Mind (S6). Our textbook reminds us that with one Father we’re all brethren (S7). And for the second week in a row, we have the admonition that becoming as a child and being willing to leave the old for the new is an essential element to progress (S8). This is an obvious step in healing all division and misunderstanding among races, genders, nations, and classes. We have to be willing to be cleansed of old hurts and wounds, and start forward with a clean slate. The teachings of Christian Science invigorate and purify (S9). The childlike thought always trusts the Father-Mother and keeps God in every relationship. As it sinks in that we all live in one Mind the sediment of engrained thinking will break lose and be carried away.

Section 3: Mind Reading and Prophetic Insight

The little maid was acting on an innate trust in healing power. But Elisha handled the situation with prophetic insight. He seemed to know exactly what Naaman needed. He used this insight throughout his career. He had all the qualities and skills mentioned in Bible citations 7 and 8: wisdom, knowledge, discernment, and perfect timing.

These are prophetic skills that come from being at one with the divine Mind. This is having the mind of Christ. Prophets don’t view things from a limited temporal standpoint. A temporal viewpoint defines a finite being—living in a linear timeline in constant fear of what’s around the corner. Prophets don’t see a past, present, and future. Being at one with Mind, they see everything in the eternal now. They are not only in tune with “an expected end,” but they’re able to identify and expose all other so-called outcomes as false. In this way Elisha is able to warn the king of Israel of ambushes. When under threat of attack himself, spiritual insight allows him to seehosts of God’s protection surrounding him. He also helps his servant see this (B9).

Elisha wasn’t distraught by the armies surrounding them because hegot his information from God not from the senses. He knew that with God all things are possible (S10). Rather than seeing the finite linear view, his spiritual insight revealed all things (S11).

Mary Baker Eddy makes a distinction between “mortal mind-reading, and immortal Mind-reading” (S12). She refers to immortal mind-reading as “the illumination of spiritual understanding which demonstrates the capacity of Soul…” (S13). She goes on to say, “This Soul-sense comes to the human mind when the latter yields to the divine Mind.” That’s the skill we learned about in Section 1 of this Lesson—seeing and yielding to God’s plan irrespective of the present circumstances. It’s been said that Mary Baker Eddy taught her students to uncover what error is trying to do, then to see that it doesn’t do it. This isn’t relying on our own wisdom, or knowledge, or even human observation. It’s seeing what’s going on so we can identify the lie and dispose of it with Truth (S14).

Section 4: The Mind of Christ Heals

As we’ve seen with Elisha, having the mind of Christ enables one to discern the truth, and uncover what needs correcting. Jesus utilized his oneness with mind to heal even in hostile situations. God gives us “the tongue of the learned” —the tongue of one instructed—so we should know how to speak “a word in season”—to say the right thing at the right time—to the weary (B10).

The Pharisees and Sadducees saw only with the senses, and were “learned” in the ecclesiastical sense, but they lacked that spiritual connection of the heart. Therefore, they concerned themselves mainly with the letter of the law, and allowed healing only within parameters they understood. Jesus acknowledged their ability to read the material signs, but they were unable to recognize his good works as spiritual authority for, and evidence of, his Messianic mission (B12). Gill observes how Jesus called out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, for instead of understanding the spiritual import of the Scriptures, they wasted their time on mundane observations easily discerned by everyone.

Adam Clarke (c1760-1832) explains that the Pharisees derived their name from the Hebrew parash meaning “to separate.” They were founded on the desire to separate themselves from corruption and restore the pure worship of the Most High. But in their intense focus on outward regulations, they lost the spirit of the law.

Jesus could feel their animosity as they watched him, ready to catch him in breaking a rule (B13). But Jesus knew that the Sabbath was for stopping all human business—not divine work. His heart went out to the sufferer, and he healed him.

Jesus was at one with divine Mind. Every day was a Sabbath for him because he always had delight in God, and in service to his Father before human busyness. He healed through uninhibited delight in God’s perfect man (S15). Jesus “knew their thoughts” through his ability to read the thoughts of men, “on a scientific basis, that of the omnipresence of the one Mind” (S16). His motive was always to heal and save, and such a motive was the only legitimate way to read mortal mind.

The Pharisees lacked the ability to recognize the Messiah right in front of them. Likewise, only those who exercise spiritual discernment will be able to recognize the healing power of Mind today (S17). Mary Baker Eddy didn’t feel this healing power was reserved for a special few. Everyone has the ability to have this mind of Christ in proportion to their “genuine spirituality” (S18).

While the purpose for reading the human mind is to heal, it’s interesting that Mary Baker Eddy says she discerned disease in thought before it appeared in body (S19). I would expect that she just didn’t leave it there, and watch it happen. This is only a guess, but I have to think that if she detected a fear of disease before it appeared bodily, she healed it in her own thought, and perhaps the disease never did appear.

We know that she affirmed that her healing work proved the power of Mind, God, over the body in every instance (S20), and that she healed “acute and chronic disease in their severest forms.” She urges us to practice healing as well, by sticking to the truth of being. She instructs us to, “Plead with an honest conviction…and a clear perception…of Science” (S21). She tells us this method is so effective that even if we only have half as much faithful adherence in relation to the truth of our plea, we will heal the sick.

Section 5: We Need a Higher Perspective

Paul reminds us that the deep things of God can’t be seen through material sense. In fact, Paul says to “the natural man”—the lower, or animal nature—spiritual things are absurdities! (B14). Deep things of God are revealed by the Spirit. This spiritual discernment, or, mind of Christ, enables us to both apprehend and teach the word wisely. Clarke offers this translation of 1 Corinthians 2:16— “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should Teach It?” We need not only the words, but the mind of Christ, for our words to make a difference.

The Spirit plunges below the superficial to the essential reality of things. Those inspired by the Spirit “search accurately, diligently, so as fully to understand; [and carry out] such profound research as to have thorough knowledge” (Barnes). Peter, James, and John have the privilege and honor to connect with this deepening Spirit as witnesses to the transfiguration (B15). We don’t know how James and John responded to this sublime opportunity, but Peter sort of goes off the deep end.

Days earlier Jesus upbraided Peter for not wanting to go to Jerusalem and the crucifixion. When Peter saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, he must have thought it was the perfect opportunity to point out a much less demanding path. To paraphrase, he interrupts the conversation saying, “Master, I have a great idea. Forget all that Jerusalem stuff. Let’s make our headquarters right here. We can even build sanctuaries for all of you!” Choosing a building project instead of taking the hard path clearly isn’t having the mind of Christ.

God doesn’t permit Peter to continue blabbering on. A voice from the cloud commands him to be quiet and listen. All three disciples fall to their faces in fear, but Jesus lovingly touches them saying, “Arise and be not afraid.” Have you ever had a moment like that? A moment when you suddenly realize the great import of what’s going on to such a degree that it scares you? These are precious moments that every sincere seeker encounters. But the Christ is always present to calm and encourage us. We can’t avoid God’s plan. Remember? The expected end is always good, no matter how hard the path is.

As the Spirit plunges beneath the superficial to the genuine essence of things, so is true Christianity only discerned through spiritual sense (S22). Jesus, being the Son of God, had the innate ability to understand the full depth of Spirit, expound on it, and demonstrate it (S23). Not only is it impossible to discern reality through material sense, but Mind doesn’t rely on these senses to express itself (S25).

Referring to the “natural man” Clarke points out that in Latin anima and animus signify the lower and the higher passions respectively. Just so, Mary Baker Eddy observes that the upper portions of the brain represent “higher moral sentiments” (S26). As Peter had to elevate his sense of what was important, so must we exchange human concepts for the divine consciousness. Someone once said, if you aren’t happy or content being alone and quiet with God now, how do you ever expect to be happy in the kingdom of heaven? This is hinted at when our textbook says, “One moment of divine consciousness…is a foretaste of eternity” (S27).

Section 6: Putting It All Together

In Hebrews, we learn that the word of God is quick and sharp. It cuts through all the layers of fear, confusion, anger, sadness, sin, sickness, and death, and gets right to the core of things (B16). Barnes tells us that God’s Word, “is suited to detect hypocrisy and to lay open the true nature of the feelings of the soul, so that there can be no escape for the guilty. God’s ‘truth’ is adapted to bring out the real feelings, and to show man exactly who he is…There can be no escape from the penetrating, searching application of the Word of God.”

This Word also exposes the unseen and hidden parts, revealing our true thoughts and intentions. This is the net effect of immortal Mind-reading. As Elisha proved when he warned the king of Israel, the Word exposes evil’s intent and destroys it. This is having the mind of Christ.

We may not think of ourselves as prophets, but we all have this skill to some degree. It’s that gut feeling of assurance that can sniff out a lie or impostor, and recognizes all the authenticity of character. Have you ever had a gut feeling? This is Mind/Soul/Truth in action. Just as you get gut feelings about things that aren’t right, have you ever noticed how some plans you have just never seem to work out? This too, is Truth stepping in to save you from yourself.

This ability to discern between the real and the unreal is a notable ability of the mind of Christ. Mind not merely knows Truth, Mind is Truth. When we’re mentally in the dark, and can’t tell what’s true, it naturally causes confusion, anxiety and frustration. But, when we’re in Mind, we know what’s spiritual and true, and we find life and peace (B17). We can always choose to tap in and have the mind of Christ. The woman at the well was at a fork in the road. Her inner sense detected the Truth of Jesus’ words, and she figuratively, and most likely literally, left her old life behind and began afresh.

Mary Baker Eddy says, the closer we get to God, and spiritual–mindedness, the clearer we will see through the lies of material sense, precisely detect what’s true, and reject what’s false (S28). It should really be fairly simple. If there is only one Mind, and Mind is All, then everything that pretends to start without Mind is false. The only reality is that which Mind manifests (S29). In reality there is only one Mind, one consciousness (S30).

So, it’s up to you. Will you be satisfied with the limited resources of material thinking? Or, will you accept access to the ever-flowing stream of the mind of Christ?


PS. For Ken Cooper YouTube monologues click on Naaman’s Awakening and The Withered Hand Restored,” and his poem, “God and Man Are One.”

PPS. ONLINE GEMs-in-progress from Cobbey Crisler and others will be sent later. They include an invitation for YOU — and for all who you love – to join us with your “whole heart and whole soul” each week to celebrate ever-present, divine Love and its healing power of prayer-at-a-distance)!” This breakthrough principle of the healing power of childlike thought that is receptive to remote prayer is on full display at CedarS weekly Online Hymn Sings. These 30-minute global gatherings could be thought of as “Prayer Sings,” since hymns are really healing prayers set to music.
Our upcoming Fall “Take CedarS Home” Zoom sessions for grade grouping of campers also continue each week to prove the healing power of childlike thought receptive to remote prayer. These Zoom session gifts to children and their families could be thought of as prayers every day to put love into action through practicing CedarS Five Fundamental concepts. [Great fruitage from summer Zoom sessions is available.]


  • Click here to electronically GIVE your tax-deductible support that is especially needed during this reduced income year
  • or MAIL gifts to our camp address: The CedarS Camps Office.
    410 Sovereign Court #8, Ballwin, MO 63011
  • or call CedarS support team at 314-378-2574 (Warren) or 636-394-6162 (Gay & office team) to share your support
  • CedarS is a not-for-profit, 501-C-3 organization with a Federal ID # 44-0663883.

    With ever-growing gratitude and full-strength love to each of you,
    Warren, Holly, Gay, Kim, Jennifer, and CedarS Team

CedarS is a not-for-profit, 501-C-3 organization with a Federal ID # 44-0663883.

FYI on how our Summer and Fall 2020 tuition has been dramatically reduced:
As we prayed with the motives of loving our neighbor, being law-abiding, acting with wisdom, and offering a camping experience that is consistent with our Christian Science foundation, we were led to cancel not only our June but also our July onsite camper programs and our August Family Camp. We were led to make several adjustments to our operations for onsite CIT training and staff development in support of new ONLINE program offerings. Here are decisions that protocol compliance, our facility capacities and divine guidance led us to make:

CedarS Camps (income-)adjusted Schedule for Summer and Fall 2020:

  • Session 1 (June 7-20): Cancelled
  • Session 2 (June 21- July 4): Cancelled for campers–replaced with 14-day Precamp for all staff "in a bubble"
  • Session 3 (July 5 – July 17): onsite camper programs Cancelled, but with CIT program and staff continuing in order to support two last weeks of ONLINE, grade-level programs and an international, virtual Musical Theater camp & production. (averaged over 120 online campers per week from preschool thru 12th, from coast to coast & from 8 different countries)
  • Session 4 (July 19 – July 31): onsite camper programs Cancelled, but with inspiration to take home & share from a summer-finale, Staff Retreat Week 4.1 and closing camp weeks 4.1 & 5.
  • Family Camp, Session 5 (August 2-8): Cancelled because with protocols, not able to give an uncompromising "family feeling"
  • All ONSITE 2020 Fall Programs postponed until 2021 and beyond… This includes a Labor Day DiscoveryBound National Event, several local church and other retreats and a Maddie Maupin deep-dive Bible Study of Genesis (now from October 21-25, 2021)
  • A NEW "OFFERING PURE OF LOVE"
    Fall ONLINE Session Dates for all age groups (1st-12th grade):

    August 25th – September 26th (5 weeks)
    September 29th – October 31st (5 weeks)
    November 3rd – December 5th (5 weeks)

  • Grade Groupings, Days, Times, and Costs:
    1st-2nd grades: Tuesday 5-6pm Central, $85
    3rd-5th grades: Thursday 5-6pm Central, $85
    6th-8th grades (CIP): Saturday 10:30-Noon Central, $125
    9th-12th grades (JL): Saturday 4-5:30pm Central, $125

  • Eligibility includes youth…
    Enrolled in a Christian Science Sunday School; or
    With some Christian Science background and a supportive family member; or
    Those new to Christian Science with a sincere desire to explore it further

  • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH TECHNOLOGY: We are committed to including young people who want to grow in Christian Science, regardless of finances. Divine Love knows no digital divide! Our program application includes a place for you to indicate if you need financial support to obtain hardware or an Internet connection. If you need Internet access, the September 29th and November 3rd sessions are more reasonable start dates. We have found that it can take several weeks to activate Internet, so please let us know of the need as soon as possible.

    FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TUITION: US and Canada, please apply to The Campership Fund. They have funds available to support up to full tuition, as needed. International applicants, please apply directly to CedarS Camperships.

  • CLICK FOR FULL DETAILS, A VIDEO AND ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

With never-changed gratitude and full-strength love to each of you,
Warren, Holly, Gay, Kim, Jennifer, and CedarS Team


APOLOGIES FOR ANY EDITING NEEDED FROM CEDARS VOLUNTEER EDITORS, CONTRIBUTORS AND TRANSLATORS FOR THIS FREE SERVICE. Thanks for your forgiveness and your needed, ongoing support!

American Camp Association

MAIN OFFICE
(November - May)
410 Sovereign Court #8
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 394-6162

CAMP OFFICE
(Memorial Day Weekend - October)
19772 Sugar Dr.
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-6699

Support our mission!

CedarS Camps

Back
to top