“As he thinketh in his heart . . .”

Ever wonder what effect thoughts have on health?  Is it possible to experience better health by improving one's thinking?

These are some of the questions being asked by medical practitioners today.  Many are finding that thoughts and emotions have a direct effect on the functioning of the body.  They’re also discovering that when one’s thinking and attitude are released from anger, fear, negativity, and so on, the body responds in positive ways.

In a sense, this reminds me of the Scriptural saying concerning a man: “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  (Proverbs 23:7)  It also leads me to consider more deeply a core principle in Christian Science, namely, that health is actually a mental condition, rather than a physical one.  Good thoughts promote health; bad thoughts undermine it.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science, points out in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:

“Hatred, envy, dishonesty, fear, and so forth, make a man sick, and neither material medicine nor Mind can help him permanently, even in body, unless it makes him better mentally, and so delivers him from his destroyers.” (read more)

Clearly, there’s a need to pay attention to what we’re thinking.  But how does one go about correcting unhealthy thoughts in the first place?

According to Christian Science, what's needed is a change in thought through reforming one's character, — or, more specifically, spiritualizing one's character.  By spiritualizing character, I mean bringing one’s thinking and living into accord with God’s law.  As the psalmist says:  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

Thus, healing in Christian Science begins with the recognition of one’s spiritual identity and of one’s relationship with God, — a recognition that lessens and removes negative thinking, and establishes life-affirming thinking in its place.  The result is the uplifting of one’s entire outlook on life from a material to a spiritual standpoint.  And this not only improves the individual, I've found it also has a healing effect upon those around us.

So, the next time the idea of "getting healthy" crosses our mind, let's consider where our thoughts are as well, because healthy thinking is healthy living!

Click here to read how someone applied Christian Science for healing.