Article December 31, 1938 Issue

How Rich Am I?

IDELLE G. BERKSON

Christ Jesus , our Way-shower, as he went daily about his Father's business, healing the sick and comforting the weary, did not have to ask himself the question, "How rich am I?" It is certain that he had but to enumerate the spiritual qualities which God so bountifully and lovingly bestows, and which in his purity he recognized and utilized, for therein he found his true and lasting wealth.

Wisdom and spiritual understanding give durable riches and sound judgment. True wealth is found in an increase of spiritual ideas and a decrease of material desires. Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." These ideas, however, must be daily acknowledged and put into practice, or else like the man in the parable we should lose our talents, having buried them under the mesmerism of human planning and living, and having failed to use them for the glorification of God.

A student of Christian Science once found her place in the business world in a specialized industry where salaries that ran into thousands of dollars a week were not uncommon. Her own was what might be termed generous when compared to salaries that other industries were paying. However, a position such as she felt qualified to fill, and where she felt her especial ability lay, did not open up for her. Aggressive mental suggestion in the guise of discouragement and human sympathy would argue: "You are trying to live the life of a Christian Scientist to the best of your ability. Why cannot you demonstrate the position you desire, and greater supply?" Suddenly the light of Truth dawned on her consciousness, and the "still small voice" whispered: "In Christian Science what we need to do is to reflect more gratitude, love, honesty, joy, faith, hope, patience, courage—the spiritual qualities of which Mrs. Eddy speaks. And as we express more and more of these in our lives, we shall receive rich rewards and permanent supply, for none of these assets can be taken from us. Could a wise man desire more riches than spiritual attainment and lasting peace?

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December 31, 1938
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