Article October 24, 1925 Issue

Understanding

JULIAN CLAUD DE KENNE BRUCE-KINGSMILL

IN these days when one hears so many people talk about unemployment, a young student of Christian Science may be tempted to fear the possible loss of his job. if he is working simply to make money, that is, to accumulate matter, he may appear to have a kind of success; but, on the other hand, he may not. If he succeeds, he may become after a time so engrossed in amassing wealth that he forgets God, good; and then he needs to be reminded of the Psalmist's words, "If riches increase, set not your heart upon them." But nothing can prevent any one from "making good." And it is not to play upon words that we use the word "good" in this sense. For he must, in order to "make good," seek wholeheartedly, and without doubt or wavering, the understanding of God, infinite good.

One may be very wealthy from a material standpoint and thus possess, seemingly, all that money can give. Now this abundance does not necessarily mean that he or she has "made good." If abundance has come through the understanding of God, good, then all is well; but if it has been heaped up by material thinking, it is nothing else than an evanescent dream picture, and "ready to vanish away."

Now in order to know what a real job—a worth-while occupation, a lasting employment—is, the student needs understanding. Does not Solomon say, "With all thy getting get understanding"? And, again, "Love her [understanding], and she shall keep thee"? Solomon did not ask for money, but for "an understanding heart." The understanding of the kingdom of God was all that he needed. He embraced wisdom; and he was preserved, loved, and kept. He heard the instruction of his Father; he attended to know understanding.

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