How To Handle Animal Magnetism

It is very important to know how to handle animal magnetism. We have learned that animal magnetism is a belief in a power other than God. This is a simple way of thinking of it. We have to rise above the idea that there is a power apart from God and know there is not! In knowing that, we can overcome animal magnetism.

If error tells you that you can’t do something, get up and do it! For example, during our Wednesday testimony meetings when it gets a little quiet, error is trying to get people not to speak, telling them they have nothing to be grateful for. No! We see what it is trying to do — so what do we do? We get up and testify! That is all there is to it. It is not rocket science. It is meeting the claim, handling it, overcoming it, and getting past it.

Whatever its name is, and it is always different, it tries to come in a way that seems tailor made so that you think it’s your thinking, your problem, you “can’t do it.” It is always an attack on your Christ, your walking with God, and your work for the cause of Christian Science. If you don’t let it happen, you have claimed a victory. Guess what—you have handled animal magnetism!

Let it never be said we do not know how to handle animal magnetism. That may mean you are sitting in your “prayer chair” too long, and it’s time to get up and do something. In Collectanea on page 156 Mrs. Eddy says, “Do we not all understand cowardice never conquers? To get rid of temptation of any sort or to get out of a difficulty, we are not passive and let the wrong rule the right, but we struggle and thus conquer. We should not avoid the things that hurt us but repeat them and meet them as their superior. Disease is a coward that leaves when you are not afraid of it.” Handle animal magnetism!