There's a cliché in some old films when a young man timidly approaches his girlfriend's father to ask for her hand in marriage. Typically, the father makes the stern inquiry "Just what are your prospects?" From the look on the youngster's face we know the pressure is on as he tries to describe what he has to offer and what he intends to make of it.

Few of us act out that scene, but the question of our prospects can come up often in our lives. We ask ourselves, "What does lie ahead? What can I aspire to?"

Christian Science teaches that our prospects are limitless when man's spiritual nature is perceived. Because man is made in the image and likeness of God, his being—now and always—must reflect the abundance, order, and delight of God—of perfect Principle and generous Love. This enlightened view of man's life is realized in one's own experience by turning away from an uncertain picture of hazy options and speculative possibilities and focusing instead on man created and maintained by a loving God.

Christ Jesus made this true and perfect image of man visible to all, both through his own life as the example and in his healing of others. He saw man's spiritual prospects—his unfallen state as the perfect child of God. Christ Jesus' clearsighted view of the real man had nothing in common with conventional thinking about human frailty and a supposed dependence on matter for life. He was absolutely clear about where we should look to discover our true prospects: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." ^{Matt. 6:33.}

In Christian Science our prayers affirm the spiritual facts of God and His creation. The goal of our prayer is to lift consciousness to a fuller sense of our spiritual and complete identity as the image of divine Love. Gradually we see the limited mortal gauges of life superseded by the perfect pattern of Godlike living. The blessing that comes from the increasing awareness of man's high heritage is not simply a better social or financial situation but an increased understanding of God and of His creation. And this spiritual prospect is not some lofty and remote vision but is immediately at hand. Mrs. Eddy says: "The immanent sense of Mind-power enhances the glory of Mind. Nearness, not distance, lends enchantment to this view." ^{Science and Health, p. 209.}

The knowledge that divine Love is both perfect and complete precludes uncertainties about the future. God has limitless resources, undiminished by time or use. Therefore man, reflecting his creator, is provided with continual abundance.

Looking to our Father-Mother God for our prospects will keep our gaze elevated. Our understanding of what constitutes daily supply will not be confused by the shallow images that materiality holds up to impress us. We will not be tempted to believe that right standards of behavior or measurements of success can change like the season's fashions. Beginning and staying with God as the only cause, we never fall for matter's limited, two-dimensional view of life's worth.

In Science and Health one of the marginal headings reads, "Right views of humanity." In the adjacent paragraph Mrs. Eddy sets forth a radical position concerning conventional standards of success. She opens up a grand vista and provides us with an invaluable guide for weighing our prospects: "Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity." ^{Ibid., p. 239.}

The shortsighted expectations of limited human potential can be replaced with the grand panorama of God's creating. Now—and for all eternity—man exists within ongoing, all-powerful Love. As we increasingly understand man's relation to his perfect Father-Mother God, we can expect to have a continual and often surprising process of growth.

The Psalmist shared his perception of limitless spiritual prospects in the psalm that begins, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." He concludes with confidence, "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." ^{Ps. 121:1, 8.} This is a certain and powerful antidote for the threat of future uncertainties!

Faced with the appearance of illness, doubt, lack, or disharmony of any kind, the student of Christian Science knows to turn to the truth that man's only existence is spiritual, under the guidance and impulse of Love. When uncertainties arise, this Science shows us how to answer with confidence and joy. Fear and uncertainty lose their power to intimidate, and healing follows naturally. In this way we prove that our lives can manifest only good.

As we accept divine Mind's continuing, supporting presence, we are sustained by our loving Father in our daily endeavor to see the man of His creating. This elevation of our thought, in turn, fills every need, enriches our lives, and blesses those near us and the whole world.

So when we're faced with the cold and threatening interrogation "What, exactly, are your prospects?" we can answer with calm assurance: "My life is now and ever will continue to be in God. My prospect is to express divine Love eternally."