In this blog we’ve discussed the Christian Science practitioner as next friend and helper. This is the third in this series, so we’ll end it on thinking about the Christian Science practitioner as a persuader of right thought.

I love the word “persuader,” because it means “to move by argument to a belief or course of action.” Certainly, if one is being influenced or persuaded negatively, then none of us would want to be persuaded. But if the persuasion is toward a higher, clearer, understanding of one’s relationship with God, good, then the persuasion is not only good, but provably healing, as well. To persuade is to convert, to change another’s perspective, to bring someone around to a point of view that is different than what they may now believe. This is done through argument, or as taught in Christian Science, through scientific reasoning. To persuade then is prayer, because doesn’t prayer persuade us, or move us, to a different perspective, a perspective that is based in God, good? It certainly should!

So, the duty of the Christian Science practitioner, then, is to persuade the patient to think radically different. It is to discuss with the patient, and examine with the patient, the truth of man’s being. This is done not only verbally, but silently, as well. This spiritual persuasion, or reasoning, convinces the patient that, in reality, he is already made in God’s perfect image and likeness, and so, in actuality, no change needs to take place, as perfection is already established by God, good.

To do this, the Christian Science practitioner must first understand man’s relationship with God, before he can convince another of this spiritual relationship. He must first love the real man, God’s child, before he can see another as God’s child. Perhaps we can take the words of Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., in thinking about the qualifications of a Christian Science practitioner. He noted, “You’ve got to make a lover out of number one.” What does that mean? That means the practitioner must love. He must love no matter what. He must love enough to heal every case. The qualifications, requirements, and obligations of a Christian Science practitioner acting as next friend and helper, are summed up in one who follows, as closely as possible, the example of Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus’ healing work was never scheduled by hours. He simply lived Christianity, and specifically Christian Science. His whole life made his profession a 24–hour activity. The way he thought, walked, and talked, was always as one who was living Christian Science. And it was his very life and living of Christian Science that persuaded others and healed them.

This can be true for us, as well. Since God’s perfection is unceasing and eternal, so is man’s perfection. This makes the office of the helper not a street address, nor designated by a street sign or a website, but rather as God’s witness. The helper’s work is not a specified period of time for Christian Science treatment, but is his position as God’s expression, as God’s representative.

The Christian Science practitioner is most convincing then, in the spiritual thought he thinks and in the consequent spiritual life he leads. The helper’s being and doing is what is most converting in the healing work. Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science, indicates that the scientific evangelist, the helper, teaches by healing and heals by teaching. By the Christian Science practitioner’s scientific reasoning, by his demonstration of Christ in himself, he fulfills the highest idealism of his office. What is this highest idealism? It is healing all claims of evil. By the helper’s demonstrations he is scientifically convincing, to the point of healing.

By his own example the helper spiritually persuades others to live the same example. Mrs. Eddy writes, “Forget self in laboring for mankind; then will you woo the weary wanderer to your door, win the pilgrim and stranger to your church, and find access to the heart of humanity” (Mis 155:7–10). Finding access to the heart of humanity requires that the helper qualify himself for the work, through a thorough preparation of study, of living, and of doing.

To follow more closely in the footsteps of our Master, Christ Jesus, we learn to examine ourselves, examine our thoughts and activities, and discern between the real and unreal. We all must yield to the priority of God, good, putting Him first, if we are to follow most closely in Christ Jesus’ steps. Mrs. Eddy notes, “Rushing around smartly is no proof of accomplishing much” (Mis 230:12).

Every time we read the Bible, or Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, we are being persuaded, guided, converted. We are learning more and more of man’s relationship with God, and we are learning how to make this relationship our priority. Then, our lives shine with the light of Christ, Truth, and we find our very actions are persuading, convincing, others of God’s goodness and presence. The Bible teaches, “Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you,” that’s all that matters (James 4:8). Why? Because as we draw nigh to God, get closer to Him, we find all the incidentals fall into place – but more – we find Him, right here, right now. And we find that our lives are our greatest expression of divine persuasion.