Article May 8, 1948 Issue

LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS

JEAN E. CAMERON

A Christian Scientist who was having unusual demands made upon her income was led one day to consider what the phrase "to live within one's means" really signifies. Looking up the word "means" in the Concordances to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, she found the following statement (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 1): "Prayer, watching, and working, combined with self-immolation, are God's gracious means for accomplishing whatever has been successfully done for the Christianization and health of mankind."

"God's gracious means." These words certainly did not indicate a restricted or limited source of supply, but rather universally available and ever adequate resources. The student at once began a study of these gracious, boundless means, which she found to be continually at her disposal.

In Psalms (102:17) was found this beautiful promise regarding the Almighty: "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." The student had been taught in Christian Science that man, God's spiritual reflection or idea, is never destitute, for he expresses all the qualities and attributes of his Maker. However, she had to admit that her finite human sense did indeed seem to be destitute—of practical, spiritual ideas as well as of funds.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
BE A LAW UNTO YOURSELF
May 8, 1948
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit