Article April 18, 1925 Issue

Seeking the Kingdom of God

CHARLES C. SANDELIN

IN mentally looking over the world and pondering its complexities, one cannot but be impressed by the fact that humanity in general is earnestly and anxiously seeking ways and means to supply its many needs,—its need of health, harmony, and happiness, its need of daily supplies. The questions must arise, where so much of failure is evidenced: Is the world seeking aright? Can unfailing and lasting good be obtained through the means usually employed? Or is there a rule that could safely be followed whereby each need would be supplied? Here Christian Science points to the Bible as "the chart of life," as we read on page 24 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and to Christ Jesus as the Way-shower.

What rule did Jesus give, in the ordering of human existence, that every need might be filled? In the sixth chapter of Matthew we find reference to human needs. Here Jesus is reported as advising his hearers not to take thought for their life, besides enumerating some other things which they were not to take thought about, such as food and clothing, referring to the ease with which God cares for the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field. Then he gave the key to the whole situation when he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Is not this rule of Jesus a rule we may safely follow? And, following it earnestly and honestly, may we not expect that our needs will be taken care of?

In the Bible the terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" are used synonymously. For instance, at one time Jesus is quoted as saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand;" at another time, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: . . . for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." In Science and Health (p. 590) Mrs. Eddy defines "kingdom of heaven" as follows: "The reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme." Since God is Spirit, God's kingdom must be a spiritual kingdom; and as God is Mind, God's universe must be His thoughts or ideas dwelling in Himself,—in line with Paul's statement to the Athenians, "In him we live, and move, and have our being." As implied in the last of Jesus' statements quoted above, the kingdom of God cannot be seen with the material eyes, for it is not material. It must be discerned through spiritual understanding, and can be gained in no other way.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Seeking the Kingdom of God

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access