Article May 29, 1976 Issue

You Have What It Takes!

J. THOMAS BOGGS

In the fourth chapter of II Kings there is an account of a woman in great need. Her circumstances appeared hopeless, and she appealed to the prophet Elisha for help. In responding to her plea the prophet asked: "What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house?"^{II Kings 4:2;} She said she had nothing in the house—only a pot of oil. But Elisha indicated that this was sufficient, and by obediently following his instructions the woman found her problem solved.

Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "The Bible contains the recipe for all healing."^{Science and Health, p. 406;} When viewed spiritually this biblical account can provide an inspiring recipe for solving the varied problems of lack appearing in human experience. The story illustrates the practical value of spiritual truth applied to human need. When the prophet asked "What hast thou in the house?" the woman showed that she had not thought of the pot of oil as significant. Yet with Elisha's inspired guidance she saw her need met by means of the oil.

May we not liken the woman's pot of oil to the simple moral qualities we all can utilize—kindness in thought and word, more patience with our friends and associates, heartfelt gratitude for God's goodness? Often one of these is all that is needed to open thought to the great realities of spiritual being, which form the basis for demonstrating supply in all aspects of human experience. Mrs. Eddy writes, "A little more grace, a motive made pure, a few truths tenderly told, a heart softened, a character subdued, a life consecrated, would restore the right action of the mental mechanism, and make manifest the movement of body and soul in accord with God."^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 354;} Christ Jesus demonstrated the effects of spiritual understanding in his healing work.