Article January 17, 1914 Issue

Infinite Resources

M. G. KAINS, M.S.

Mrs. Eddy tells us that "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind" (Science and Health, p. 60), and this great truth is surely no less applicable to what may be termed the financial problems of our churches than to those of individual Christian Scientists. Christ Jesus certainly furnished several definite illustrations of the fact that God is really the source of all true supply; and that the early Christians understood in large measure the spiritual law of supply and demand is proved by the statement in the fourth chapter of Acts: "Neither was there any among them that lacked."

It is so customary for organizations in the business and the political world to present budgets of expense for work to be done that it is perhaps no more than natural that churches should adopt the same practise when outlining the work and expenses for any subsequent year. In the great majority of cases scarcely any other course would seem sensible, much less feasible, to a board of trustees, composed as it usually is of men of experience and proved good judgment in the business world. Not one of them would think of embarking in any enterprise without knowing that he had a sure source of supply to enable him to carry his project through to a successful issue. From a purely business standpoint he would consider himself foolish to attempt this without adequate financial backing, and some might say, Why treat a religious enterprise in any less businesslike way?

Doubtless this attitude is a wise one where an enterprise, be it in commercial or church affairs, is projected on a business basis. But the question arises, Should religious enterprises remain permanently subject to these methods? Does not absorption in and dependence upon such methods inevitably lead to the relegation to the background of the vital, fundamental fact that God is the source of our supply? Startling as this question may be to church-members, is it not true that it searches more deeply for the basic truth in the case than is pleasant to mortal sense? Is it not too often the case that more dependence is placed upon business ways and means than upon the Giver of all good? If so, should it be surprising that certain church-members rich in this world's goods feel called upon to give, and often do give more liberally than they perhaps should, or at the close of the church year make up deficits which should not have appeared? Does not this condition of affairs indicate a lack of trust that God will provide means for the manifestation of His own work?

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Infinite Resources

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access