My first bike was on an old sting ray that didn’t have a seat, so we put a pillow on the seat stem. I grew up out in the country with steep, bumpy roads that were not friendly to little kids on bikes. However, we did have a concrete strip by the house which showed some forgiveness to me, the beginner.
At times healing can be a little like riding a bike. Riding on that concrete pad in front of our house, I learned how to balance, pedal, and steer. But I wasn’t aware of all the mechanics and physics that were keeping me up. Similarly, as we pray specifically for some healing, we come to better understand the goodness, power, and everywhereness of God. And that brings a cure to whatever is ailing us. But we don’t have to know all there is about God to bring about healing. Healing requires only a little change in thought, one fresh insight into the nature of God and of Her awesome creation.
If I had read all about bike riding, including the mechanics and physics involved, but had never actually gotten on a bike, it wouldn’t have done me any good. Similarly, if I just read and study about God and how to become better at healing but don’t put it into practice, it doesn’t do me–or anyone else– much good.
Christian Science is not just a philosophy with some nice thoughts about God and His universe. It doesn’t really do any good unless we use it. Its a practical science; many people depend on these laws of Christ to keep them safe and well. And they trust in prayer to bring them through difficult situations.
As we dedicate ourselves to study and pray with this system, we can’t help but put it into practice. And, as we go about out daily activities, we can’t help but have a clearer perspective into what is really going on right here in God’s kingdom. And, like riding a bike, that brings greater freedom, harmony, and joy into our lives and into the lives of others.