Article August 29, 1914 Issue

Possession

INEZ KOCH

Probably half the strife in mortal existence comes from the belief in an unequal distribution of worldly goods. We are all tempted to feel that we are entitled to abundance, and when our neighbor is able to travel great distances to attend lectures, or to go through class instruction, we begin to wish we could afford it too; in short, we think that he is enjoying a privilege of which we are being deprived. Even if there is no conscious thought of jealousy, still we wish in our hearts, "I would so much like to possess and manifest abundance like that."

In her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy teaches that no matter what the condition, it must be met in consciousness, because all is Mind. So, obviously, although we seem to be dealing with a plain matter of money, we must analyze our thought in connection with it. "I wish I possessed what So-and-so possesses," is the tenor of our thought, but when we analyze it we find that this belief that our neighbor has more than we have, is merely the belief that man is separated from good, or God.

If there is only one Mind, good, filling all space, then that good which our brother manifests, is ours as well; and to see it and rejoice with him, is to open the gate of Love through which good is manifested in our experience. To wish for his possessions or to envy him, is to close the fountain of supply, because God is Love, and "is no respecter of persons." All share equally the abundance of good, and man cannot be a partaker of evil, since it has no place in divine Love. To know and recognize good in all around us, and to rejoice in this knowledge, is to do what Jesus taught when he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God [of right thought]."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Possession

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access