Article November 20, 1937 Issue

Overcoming Material Conditions

LESLIE C. BELL

Many people suffering from a sense of uncongenial work and wretched environment seek relief in holidays, change of employment, new location or employer, or else in some form of physical or mental relaxation and amusement. While such methods may be pleasant and often harmless, they afford only temporary relief. Permanent freedom from such conditions will be found only as the material basis of thinking is abandoned, and the spiritual foundation is adopted. Through the understanding of Life as Spirit, and of man's being as purely spiritual, false material conditions are overcome.

Those seemingly placed in such conditions will gain courage and inspiration from studying the story of Joseph, as related in the book of Genesis. In this case jealousy, envy, hate, lust, conspired to kill Joseph, but his reliance on God was an adequate protection. Sold as a slave into Egypt he rose to a position of trust in his master's household. Cast into prison, he afterward became a ruler over Egypt. He made the very most of his immediate opportunities, cheerfully and humbly doing his best, and thus was fitted to rise higher. The wisdom and understanding gained through these experiences enabled him later to help the whole nation and its neighbors in time of famine.

What was it that sustained Joseph throughout these trying experiences, and helped him to overcome such seemingly hopeless circumstances? On page 589 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy defines "Joseph," in part, as "a higher sense of Truth rebuking mortal belief, or error, and showing the immortality and supremacy of Truth." We may deduce that it was this attitude of thought which opened the way before Joseph. This "higher sense of Truth" recognizes God, Truth, as all-power and all-presence.

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