We do it daily, often several times – verify our identity by entering passwords or codes and answering security questions. This task can seem mundane, but it is becoming increasingly clear just how important these steps are in protecting the integrity of our personal and professional information.
One morning while logging in at my work station, I received the familiar notification on my phone to verify my identity by entering an additional code. Then a thought came to me: Have you really verified your identity today? This thought struck me forcefully, and I considered a follow-up question: What is my identity?
For some time I have been reading and studying the Bible along with “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy to strengthen my understanding of my relationship to God. And I have been learning that everyone is God’s child, made in His image and likeness, completely good.
The two “great” commandments designated as such by Jesus – to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourself (see Matthew 22:37, 39) – would have to include seeing all of those neighbors as children of God – entirely spiritual and infinitely loved.
Science and Health tells us to “stand porter at the door of thought” (p. 392). To me, this directive is a good reminder to guard my thinking against any thought that does not support either my true identity or another’s as God’s child, His perfect image and likeness.
These ideas brought wonderful insight as I considered my earlier questions about identity. I realized I was paying little attention to protecting and maintaining my consciousness of my – and others’ – true identity as God’s child.
Two By-Laws in the “Manual of The Mother Church” by Mrs. Eddy outline a daily responsibility for members of The Mother Church of praying for themselves and all humankind. But they can also help anyone to keep their focus on God and serve as identity checks. In other words, they can enable us to more effectively “stand porter” – to guard against any thought that would pull us away from recognizing ourselves and others as God’s image and likeness and enjoying the blessings of God’s goodness.
One of them is “A Rule for Motives and Acts” and reads, in part, “Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church. In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness” (Manual, p. 40). Divine Love is God, and because we are made in His image and likeness, it is our duty to see God’s loving qualities in ourselves and everyone. And as the spiritual reflection of Love, we’re all innately able to do so. Governed by Love and not by personal will, our motives become purer.
This can help us find the humility to do as the By-Law titled “Daily Prayer” says – to “let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin” (p. 41).
I’ve found that praying daily with these thoughts helps strengthen our understanding of our spiritual identity and relationship to God and helps us see the truth about everyone’s identity. This clarity also fortifies our defense against unkind or unhealthy thinking – just like those online security checks designed to keep bad actors out when we’re logging in to an account.
One time I was supposed to spend an extended period of time with a particular individual with whom I’d had many challenges – to the point where I could not stand to be in the same room with them. As the time grew closer, I could feel the ill will and negativity build within me.
It was then that I realized that both this individual and I are God’s children, part of Love’s family. God loves this individual, so it is not only my duty but my privilege to love them as well. My prayer was to bear witness to true, spiritual identity and expect to see nothing but the good that God creates.
When the time came for us to be together, our visit was so enjoyable that I wished it could have been longer!
Authenticating our identity throughout the day is not a mundane task when thinking in terms of our relation to God. It’s an ever-fresh discipline that brings us a better understanding of ourselves and others. It brings healing.
Adapted from an article published in the Feb. 5, 2024, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.
