Financial Health
Mary Baker Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 191 ): "As a material, theoretical life-basis is found to be a misapprehension of existence, the spiritual and divine Principle of man dawns upon human thought, and leads it to 'where the young child was,'—even to the birth of a new-old idea, to the spiritual sense of being and of what Life includes." Knowing that man is the perfect reflection or idea of God, perfect Principle, which includes the perfect laws of infinite good, we can solve our every problem, and thus prove conclusively the availability and practicality of divine Principle.
"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him," said Jesus; and Mrs. Eddy points to the right agreement, saying (ibid., p. 162 ), "The metaphysician agrees only with health and challenges disease." Understandingly applied, in cases of physical disease, this statement has brought instantaneous healing to many in distress. The truth contained in these words is applicable to every phase of inharmony, whether physical, moral, or financial.
There is a closer relation between financial and physical health than is generally admitted. Worry over diseased business is often manifested in disease of the body; and when this seeming cause is found out and destroyed, physical health is restored. Financial health is no less a condition of human well-being than is physical health; and health is spiritually mental, independent of material so-called laws, and obtainable through adherence to Truth and its immutable laws. Real supply is a manifestation of perfect, infinite Mind, God, and is inseparable from the real man.
When confronted with some physical inharmony, the Christian Scientist does not hesitate to follow strictly the rules given in his textbook. He is prompt to deny any claim of disease, sin, or accident, and does not for an instant allow himself to admit anything less than his entire freedom, his unimpeachable spiritual status of perfect health. He does not watch the press to become acquainted with some new system of hygiene or medication, promising better health. And he should not be less positive and uncompromising on the question of financial or business health. He should never admit reality in seemingly impaired financial soundness. Individual or general beliefs in chance, change, lack of employment, nationalism, and so on, should be denied any power to affect his financial health, just as beliefs in change of climate or altitude, dietetic theories or material hygiene, are denied power to affect his physical well-being.
When observing general conditions of lack, poverty, inadequate distribution and circulation, the Christian Scientist should not give undue attention to merely material systems, supposed to promote relief, or even healing of those conditions. While he eagerly supports every progressive step in the welfare of mankind, there is a danger of becoming involved in enthusiastic approval of something merely because it is new. True methods appear as the outcome of spiritual thinking increasingly unfolding. The spiritual idea is the seed in itself, and as we accept it, like a useful plant watered by a loving husbandman, it expands in our thinking and bears fruit abundantly. We may consider everything that gives men greater freedom—prosperity, better morals, loftier aims and achievements—as an evidence of Truth's activity bringing enlightenment to humanity.
One sometimes hears students of Christian Science say, "I would not ask for great riches, but for just enough to have a living and to be able to give something to others." This mental state denotes a limited view of the infinitude of divine Mind, and presupposes Mind to be circumscribed by giving in material ways. Divine Mind, being Spirit, is reflected by innumerable spiritual ideas, which the Christian Scientist can recognize as giving him his daily supply. Complete spiritual health, uncontaminated by human, material opinions, is the divine and real status of man; and this status should be claimed as our birthright. Limited, fearful thoughts lead to envy, greed, and resentment. But they are unreal; and their only power is to destroy themselves. They have to be replaced by thoughts of joy, gratitude, generosity, forgiveness, affection, which are Mind's constructive thoughts, renewing the consciousness wherein grace abounds.
Man is governed by divine law. "Adhesion, cohesion, and attraction are properties of Mind" (Science and Health, p. 124 ); so, in the divine order, co-ordination of supply and demand is based on Mind. Students of Christian Science, being aware of their God-given dominion over their own thoughts, are daily demonstrating the government of divine law in their financial or business activities. They know that sound business cannot be based on destructive beliefs of limitation, inflation, deflation, or other similar beliefs of mortal mind. Financial health does not necessarily mean accumulation of money. True financial health is the expression of true substance, of "that which is eternal and incapable of discord and decay" (ibid., p. 468 ); and a right sense of substance is manifested in better health as well as better financial conditions.
In seeking to determine our right course, we find a close study of our Leader's life of inestimable value. Mary Baker Eddy gave careful attention to her financial transactions. Her example is an inspiration to students of Christian Science; and in studying her attitude toward every detail of her manifold activities, they will see how practical are her teaching and example. In our textbook we find the rousing advice (ibid., p. 393 ), "Take possession of your body, and govern its feeling and action." It follows that we must take possession of and govern our own thinking. Real business is God's business; and it is ours because we are the sons of God, and all He has He gives to man, as His reflection.
