Article January 15, 1927 Issue

Supply

William G. Biederman

There is an old scholastic belief that to be truly spiritual one must be poverty-stricken, or at least on the verge of material want, even denying one's self the things generally looked upon as needs in human life. Christian Science shows this to be erroneous, and not in conformity with the teachings of the Bible. This Science, as enunciated in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, points out to the student that his outlook should be large, that he should expect great things spiritually, grand results in his work. These are the rich rewards which one engaged in the study and practical use of this truly scientific religion in his everyday life learns to enjoy. They are spiritual riches, with the measure heaped up and running over, because God, divine Mind, infinite Spirit, has an unlimited supply of good for man.

When Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you," he could not have meant that one seeking spiritual blessings and the knowledge of God should be penalized for so doing. On the contrary, did he not intend to imply that he who places his thought on spiritual things should not suffer the lack of necessary so-called material things? He had already cited the care of the loving Father, symbolized in the flowers of the field, which lack not the most beautiful vesture, and in the birds of the air, which are provided with food in abundance. These declarations of the all-inclusiveness of God's care were a part of that immortal discourse called the Sermon on the Mount. By them Jesus meant to convey the idea that men should think correctly about the things they need. They should not be disturbed by the fear of future lack, but be continually conscious that God, divine Love, is caring for them now, and that He always will provide for their every need. This thought is beautifully expressed by Mrs. Eddy in a sentence which has given comfort and relief to many thousands who have accepted her teaching. In Science and Health (p. 494) she writes, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."

Many a one can look back over his past experience, be it long or short, and see that he has always been provided with what he needed. And this was brought about in spite of his many fears and worries. The supply may not have come in just the form he had outlined at each particular time; but his real needs were always met, and in a better way than he had himself planned. Any impartial observer, whether a Christian Scientist or not, will almost invariably agree with this statement. But the difference between the viewpoint of the Christian Science and one who is not conversant with this Science with respect to it is, that the former realizes that this care for his welfare, daily and hourly, is the result of divine law operating for all, while the latter usually does not have such a realization.

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